LANGUAGES AT BSAK

The Primary Languages Department comprises of French, Spanish and Arabic B (non-native) specialist teachers. We all work together to provide an exciting curriculum for all three languages, sharing innovative ideas and using recent developments in language learning research.

Arabic is taught from Reception. From Year 1, students are separated into native and non-native classes. Students of Arabic B are taught how to read the alphabet using a very successful reading scheme developed by our department, using the UK phonics system as our inspiration. They are also introduced to the Arabic scheme called Arabee. Students are encouraged to speak Arabic through the use of games, puppets and a variety of fun and challenging activities.

Arabic A is taught in specialist lessons from Year 1 for native speaking students. These students have grown up speaking Arabic as their main language at home and consider it their mother tongue. Lessons are conducted in classical Arabic and students are encouraged to learn the alphabet, speak as much Arabic as they can and learn the fascinating grammar and vocabulary of this language. Students are motivated through the use of songs, games, puppets and circle time from a young age. All student abilities are catered for and all are encouraged to reach and surpass their potential.

From September 2022, Spanish has been introduced to all pupils from Year 2. This will eventually become the main language in the Primary Languages curriculum but French will continue to be taught to those in Years 4 and 5 as they already have the foundations of French from previous years. The languages curriculum is centred around the very successful Language Angels scheme. However, we also incorporate links with Year Group themes, e.g. space in Year 5. Lessons cover all of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) with an emphasis on fun! In Year 6 language lessons are all Spanish.

As well as giving students the opportunity to learn a second/third/fourth language, we also focus on promoting and developing a broader intercultural understanding. Cultural lessons play an important role and are always very well received by our students. In the past year, we have celebrated many events including Ramadan, La Fête des Rois (crowning the King/Queen for the day!) and the Dia de los Muertos.

Jade Alabaster Arwa Hamoudeh Head of Primary Languages Head of Primary Native Arabic Including Non Native Arabic

Regular attendance and punctuality are a prerequisite for student progress and a vital preparation for adult life.

It is essential that students form good habits with regard to attendance and punctuality early in life. In the interests of student welfare, attendance and punctuality records are logged electronically and monitored regularly.

Please promote positive attitudes towards learning in your child through supporting your child’s regular attendance. Levels of attendance and late arrivals and collection are logged and monitored in the interests of pupil welfare and may trigger a letter of concern to parents.

THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY - DROP OFF

For the Early Years, Nursery & Reception, the school day begins at 7.30am. Children in the Early Years should be brought to the external classroom door in the Early Years playground by an adult and handed over directly to their teacher. The classroom doors will be opened at 7.30am. There are no car drop off lanes for the Early Years arrivals hence parents need to park in the roads close to school and walk their children to the entrance. Security staff will be present at the Early Years’ Entrance and will offer guidance and support if required. If the Early Years child has an older sibling in Years 1-6, the siblings can also use the Early Years’ Entrance meaning that parents only have one drop off point for their children.

If in Years 1-6 and without a sibling in the Early Years, children should be dropped off in the Primary Drop Off Zones from 7.30am where they will be met by members of staff. There are several drop off lanes for parents to pull their car into, drop their children off, and then move away to leave space for other parents dropping off. The children should then walk by themselves the short distance to the main Primary Entrance. No child should be left unsupervised at any time outside of the school campus and children should not arrive at school before 7.30am. Security and other school staff will be present in the Drop Off Zones and at the Primary Entrance and will offer guidance and support if required.

Late Arrival

If your child arrives in school after 7.45am, please report to Primary Reception with your child. The class register will then be updated. Your child may then go to class / lessons.

First Day Of Absence

If your child is unwell, you know they are going to be late or cannot make it into school for any other reason, please complete the relevant form on the parent portal. For sickness this needs to be completed for each day your child is unwell.