Cornish and Spanish

At Luxulyan School, we believe that learning languages helps children to communicate with others, develop curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

As a school in Cornwall, we believe it is important that our pupils have opportunities to learn about and use Cornish as well as a language from the wider world. In KS2, children learn Cornish and Spanish, with the two languages alternating each half term.

Our language curriculum aims to develop children who are confident, curious and enthusiastic language learners.

Cornish has a special place in our curriculum. It is the language of our county and an important part of Cornwall's heritage and identity. Its recognition and status have continued to grow, and Cornwall Council has set out an ambition for children in Cornwall to develop an awareness of and connection to the Cornish language.

We are proud to support this ambition through our involvement in the Go Cornish for Primary Schools programme. We have achieved our Bronze Award and are taking part in the Silver Award pilot, developing opportunities for children to hear, understand and use Cornish across school.

Spanish provides children with an opportunity to explore a language spoken by millions of people around the world. It broadens their horizons and introduces them to different countries, cultures and communities.

By learning both languages, children develop an understanding that language is an important part of culture, identity and communication. We want them to take pride in their own linguistic heritage while also being curious about the languages and cultures of others.

We aim for children to:

•  listen carefully and respond to language they hear
•  develop confidence in speaking and communicating with others
• learn and use familiar words, phrases and sentences
• develop accurate pronunciation
• recognise patterns and connections within and between languages
• gradually develop their reading and writing skills
• develop curiosity about different languages, cultures and communities
• develop a sense of connection to Cornwall and its linguistic heritage
• develop positive attitudes towards language learning

Languages are taught throughout KS2 in a planned sequence, with Cornish and Spanish alternating each half term.

Cornish

Cornish is taught through the Go Cornish for Primary Schools programme. Children develop their understanding and use of Cornish through stories, songs, rhymes, games, conversations and practical activities.

Learning focuses on language that children can hear and use, rather than simply learning isolated vocabulary. Children are encouraged to use familiar Cornish words and phrases around school and to share their learning with others.

Cornish language learning is also connected with Cornwall's culture, heritage, stories and places, helping children to understand the significance of the language within the community in which they live.

Spanish

Spanish is taught through a progressive programme which develops children's listening and speaking skills alongside reading and writing. Children build their vocabulary and knowledge of familiar language structures through regular opportunities to practise, revisit and apply their learning.

Children are also introduced to aspects of Spanish-speaking countries and communities, helping them to understand that learning a language provides a way of communicating with and learning about other people and cultures.

Across both languages, children are given regular opportunities to listen, speak, practise, revisit and apply what they have learnt.

Our 2026–27 curriculum is the first stage of a developing rolling programme. Each subsequent year will be added so that we build towards a two-year curriculum for Lower KS2 and Upper KS2, with clear progression in language knowledge and skills.

We want children to leave Luxulyan School with confidence, curiosity and a positive attitude towards learning languages.

Children will progressively develop their ability to listen and respond, speak using familiar language, and read and write simple language. They will become increasingly able to use what they already know to understand and communicate new ideas.

Through Cornish, children will develop a stronger connection to the language, culture and heritage of Cornwall. Through Spanish, they will broaden their understanding of the wider world.

Most importantly, we want children to understand that languages connect people. They provide opportunities to communicate, discover different perspectives and develop a greater understanding of our own community and the world beyond it.