Spanish taught in a FUN way! At La Academia we believe that teaching an MFL at an early age is the best and most natural way to absorb a second language. Grasping a second language while still perfecting the first makes it a great deal easier than learning a new language later on. And when the learning is combined with social stimulation, it is challenging and fun.

Spanish for Schools is designed to teach children a new language in a fun and entertaining environment. The class is structured to encourage children to play games and sing songs familiar to them, thereby enjoying the learning process. Our teachers follow the QCA program together with the Framework for languages and we add our own fun resources to make it as enjoyable as possible. Most of the time, other parts of the curriculum such as Geography, Maths, etc. are revisited during Spanish classes. In our experience, children look forward to Spanish and greet our teachers with delight.

Our classes are approximately 90% oral and 10% written (this includes work sheets and vocabulary) and we make good use of interactive white boards as well as songs and games. Generally, a Spanish class will include some oral reinforcement of work already done, usually by playing a game, then some learning and a bit of writing, and finally a song and/or a game to practice what was learned. Children really enjoy their Spanish learning and are eager to improve it!

Spanish Days can be organized either alongside Spanish learning or independently to increase awareness of other cultures.

A Spanish Day will be adapted to the needs of the school; however, it will generally include the following:

• Dress up day for the children in typical costumes or appropriate colours;
• Spanish food offered at lunchtime (payable hot dinners);
• Spanish teacher/s to give culture or language fun sessions to the whole school;
• Salsa teacher/s to give salsa dance classes to the whole school;
• Tango teachers to give Argentine tango classes to the whole school.

Spanish Days are an excellent way to whet the children’s appetite for learning about Spain and its culture and to re-enforce some cultural aspects of Spanish alongside the curriculum teaching.

Often, parents are invited at the end of the day to see what the children have done during a short assembly. We find parents’ involvement immensely helpful and positive for the children, who are delighted to show their new skills to them (especially when holidaying in Spain!!).

After School Clubs (or Lunchtime Clubs) are designed to give children their first taste of Spanish. With the Clubs we hope to promote the language and culture of Spain and Latin America.

They are run by native speaking Latin Americans and/or Spaniards, who are all professional teachers with extensive experience of working with children. The clubs are small, with a maximum of 15.

Generally, we teach solely through songs and games. Although there is no continuity when doing the Clubs, at least not as much as following the curriculum during school hours, children enjoy the experience and practice their skills whilst on holiday or making Spanish friends.

Clubs are organized and paid by the term and are subject to some terms and conditions.