Languages – curriculum information
At Parkstone Primary School, we are proud to teach Latin using the Maximum Classics programme. Our Latin curriculum provides children with a fascinating introduction to the origins of language and helps them develop a deeper understanding of English vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure. Through engaging and interactive lessons, pupils explore the foundations of the Latin language while discovering its lasting influence on modern languages and culture.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced across Key Stage 2, enabling children to build their knowledge progressively. Pupils begin by learning about the origins of language and present tense verbs before moving on to adverbs, nouns, sentence construction, numerals, adjectives and prepositions. As they progress, children develop confidence in reading, understanding and translating simple Latin while strengthening their wider literacy skills.
Our aim is to foster curiosity about the ancient world, develop language awareness and provide pupils with a strong foundation that supports their future learning across the curriculum.
‘Pupils could talk about rainfall and temperature graphs, as well as the impact of the River Nile on Egyptian settlements.’
‘ Subject leaders benefit from meeting staff in
other trust schools to exchange ideas and good practice.’
‘Reception children get opportunities to explore numbers all the time.
Daily mathematics lessons help them to count with speed and confidence.’
‘In Reception, phonics is taught every day.’
‘All
adults have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour.’
‘The geography curriculum is a strength of the school.
Leaders have carefully set out what they want pupils to know by the end of each year.’
‘The reading curriculum is well organised.’
‘Pupils enjoy the books their teacher reads to them.’
‘Pupils are very positive about their
mathematics work.’
‘Teachers use ‘pinny time’ to revisit the sounds that children have been
taught, as they learn through play.’
‘Pupils talk with pride about the ‘leading learner’ badges
they get for reading regularly, arriving on time and trying hard.’
‘In mathematics, teachers make daily checks on pupils’ understanding. This ensures that the work pupils do is suitably challenging.’
‘All pupils know the school rules.’
‘Pupils discuss and analyse texts during their
‘reading mastery’ lessons.’
‘Pupils thrive at this inclusive school.’
‘Teachers have strong subject
knowledge and use geographical vocabulary with precision.’
‘The governing body challenges leaders on the actions they are taking to improve the school.’
‘Leaders
have provided teachers with the phonics training they need.’
‘Staff are happy, and morale
is high.’
‘Leaders’ relationships and sex education and health education
curriculums give pupils an age-appropriate understanding of healthy relationships.’
‘Classrooms are oases of calm. As a
result, pupils are happy. They feel safe at school.’
‘Teachers say that leaders listen to their views and help them to manage their workload.’
‘Teachers model language and sounds accurately. This means that Reception children get off to a strong start with their reading.’
‘Pupils who are falling behind in their phonics get extra help to catch up.’
‘Children in early years learn phonics as soon as they start school.’
‘One pupil told the
inspector that, ‘school is amazing because teachers include everyone.’