ABSTRACT
Intercultural understanding has always been an important part of primary education and was formerly one of three main strands in the KS2 Framework for Languages (DFES, 2005). Sharing and practising the new language outside the classroom gives children the opportunity to use language for a real purpose and provides valuable reinforcement for the learning. Apart from developing children’s language skills, it increases motivation and, in the case of links abroad, gives opportunities for new friendships. It encourages openness to other people and cultures and develops an ability to empathise. In the words of the key stage 2 languages national curriculum (DfE, 2013): ‘Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world.’
