Languages are an integral part of the curriculum. Learning a language is a ‘liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures’. It helps to equip pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life and encourages them to appreciate and celebrate difference. Through our languages curriculum at Olney Middle, we aim to give pupils the opportunity to begin learning a foreign language, drawing on similarities and differences with English to support and strengthen their understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Learning a foreign language can be a springboard into learning further languages in the future, which can be a crucial skill to take into the workplace in the 21st century. We want our pupils to become members of a culturally diverse society where travel for both professional and leisure reasons are the norm. We want children to develop a true understanding of another country’s language, everyday life and traditions, so that they can learn to understand and celebrate diversity of both faith and culture. We want our pupils to understand life in other countries which will enable them to treat people from all cultures and communities with respect and without prejudice.