But add music, movement, and a splash of global colour? Suddenly, they’re all in.

The introduction of dance into multicultural days for schools combines work and play. As a result, it’s a fun and powerful way to get them started with language learning without even realising they’re learning.

What’s more, today’s Bollywood and flamenco sessions for schools are a far cry from the days the boys squirmed about holding hands with the girls. Because we’ve had Strictly Come Dancing since then, making dance cool again.

Why Dance Works at Multicultural Days for Schools

 Children learn best when they’re engaged, active, and enjoying themselves. For these reasons, dance ticks the following boxes:

• Boosts memory – Movement helps anchor new vocabulary
• Grows confidence – ‘In the moment’ participation
• Improves focus: – Dancing can intensify concentration
• Encourages expression – Ideal for children finding their voice in a multicultural, multidimensional world

Think of it like language learning without the worksheets.

Flamenco and Bollywood Examples

 These two cultural dance styles are prime examples of bringing language and culture to life in the classroom:

• Flamenco from Spain – The rhythmic clapping, stamping and expressive movement originated in Southern Spanish culture. Its amalgamation of music, song and storytelling is a brilliant way to introduce Spanish sounds and rhythm to young ears and minds.

• Bollywood from India – Its high energy, expressive and personality packed vibe blends styles like bhangra, hip hop and jazz. Every movement is part of a story, making it ideal for exploring language through music and emotion. What better way to celebrate Diwali or Eid in class?

But there’s more going on here than throwing shapes.

Shake Up Your KS1 Language Lessons

 At la Academia, our dance sessions bring more than fun routines to multicultural days for schools. Think:

• Recognition and repetition of new words
• Connection of language with cultural experience
• Excitement of learning something new, without fear of otherness 

Get in touch to turn up the volume on confident, curious, culturally aware learners. And take our word for it. Pupils willingly learn more dancing their way around the world than sat at desks.

So, think again if you think traditional Spanish lessons in school are the be all and end all of language learning for little learners. Because classrooms are suddenly becoming micro-episodes of Strictly, with dramatic Paso Dobles, swishy skirts, and those crucial flamenco arms.

Here’s why flamenco sessions deserve a perfect 10 score in your syllabus. 

Put Your Spin on a Cultural Classic with Serious School Appeal

 Flamenco originated as singing and clapping in sun-soaked south Spain, 200+ years ago.

Since then, it’s developed into an artistic explosion of Spanish guitars, foot stamping, hand clapping, finger snapping, and Mediterranean attitude.

In short, it’s colourful, loud, lively, expressive, and the opposite of sitting still, wrangling vocab and grammar during routine Spanish lessons in school.

Is it any wonder both kids and staff adore it – and the results it ignites? 

Flamenco Takes Spanish lessons in School to a Different Level

 Flamenco is both fun and genuinely good for children. It:

• Improves flexibility & confidence
• Boosts concentration
• Reduces stress while encouraging creativity

And when you weave it into Spanish lessons? Y listo!

Moreover, it supports and promotes the following language learning, cultural and personal benefits: 

• Better memory and intonation, thanks to rhythmic clapping and movement
• More natural speaking practice with the use of dance related vocabulary
• Active learning, helping pupils connect Spanish words to real actions
• Deeper connection to Spanish heritage
• Improved confidence and self-expression
• Higher engagement than traditional textbook learning

 What Teachers Are Saying

 Here’s what a recent la Academia client had to say about our flamenco dancing for schools:

“We really enjoyed our Spanish culture workshops. The children loved the music, the festival atmosphere, and meeting someone native to Spain. It was a great day!”

Flamenco might just be your new favourite lesson plan too.

Get in touch with us if you’re curious about bringing a burst of Spanish culture and language learning confidence to your classrooms.

The British Council’s latest Language Trends England 2025 research lays the crisis bare:

“Language Trends England 2025 surveyed teachers at more than 1,000 primary, secondary and independent schools to provide an up-to-date picture of language education in England… the report builds on findings from 2024, which revealed that six in ten secondary schools faced challenges recruiting qualified language teachers.”

What Does This Mean for Your School?

 As a result, perhaps you too are juggling combined issues of:

• Unfilled language vacancies
• Overstretched non-specialist staff
• Larger class sizes with lower engagement
• A drop in language uptake at GCSE and A-Level

Worryingly, schools in disadvantaged areas are being hit hardest of all, causing widening gaps in language learning and missed opportunities for future success.

But help is at hand in the form of PPA language support.

Discover the Multiple Benefits of Outsourced PPA Language Support

High quality PPA language support lightens the load with expert-led, energetic delivery, including:

• Specialist MFL teaching during PPA
• Flamenco workshops and multicultural days
• Lunchtime and after school clubs
• Consultancy for non-specialist staff
• Efficient and precise curriculum integration

And you’re in safe hands with experienced teachers who know how to benefit both the classroom and the staffroom when you work with a leading-edge language school like Manchester’s la Academia.

Why Does This Matter?

Early exposure to MFL boosts confidence, curiosity, and cultural awareness, while helping shape global citizens of the future.

Don’t your student deserve this opportunity? And don’t your team members deserve to offer it, without burnout and staff attrition?At la Academia, we make PPA language support and supplementary MFL services fun, meaningful, and manageable for your staff and your students.

Get in touch to explore how we can support your school.

Learn Portuguese with Ease and Heart

Q. So, Eulália, what’s your favourite thing about teaching?

A. I love sharing my knowledge and, more importantly, my culture. Language isn’t just about words and grammar. It’s about the people, the traditions, and the stories behind them. Teaching allows me to bring a little bit of Portugal into every lesson.

Q. When you’re not in the classroom helping students learn Portuguese, how do you like to unwind?

A. Swimming is my happy place. There’s something about gliding through the water that clears the mind and soothes the soul. And a perfect day off involves heading to the seaside, listening to music, and getting lost in a good book. Bliss!

Q. And your favourite food?

A. Hands down, Polvo à Lagareiro! It’s a delicious Portuguese dish with octopus, potatoes, and vegetables, drenched in olive oil, and bursting with flavour. If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out!

Q. Tell us a fun fact about you!

A. I’ve become surprisingly knowledgeable about netball and cricket over the past eight years, thanks to my kids! These sports aren’t really big in Portugal. So, it’s been an unexpected but fun learning curve.

Why is Portuguese Such a Popular Language to Learn?

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil as well as Portugal itself. In fact, São Paulo has the largest Portuguese speaking population in the world. Perhaps the legendary José Mourinho has helped boost interest? Not to mention all the excitement around the Rio Olympics?

Either way, Portuguese is having a moment, and Eulália is here for it!

At la Academia, you can learn Portuguese with her or our other fabulous team members. They’re all handpicked teachers and also wonderful human beings!

Get in touch for more information about forthcoming Portuguese courses or 1:1 tuition options.

From Argentina with Love

“My name is Silvi, and yes, I’m a proud Argentinian!” Silvi kicks off our chat with a bright smile. “As a native Spanish speaker, teaching at la Academia feels like sharing a piece of home with each of my students.”

Her psychology degree gives her a distinct edge in the classroom. “It’s amazing how understanding the mind helps me connect better with my students, whether they’re kids or adults. Building those relationships is the cornerstone of effective teaching.”

Silvi’s Secret Sauce for Teaching Spanish Lessons

Silvi’s teaching mantra? Fun! “If you’re not enjoying the process, you’re not really learning,” she insists. And it shows. Her classes are always filled with laughter and energy.

Quickfire Q&A with Silvi

We threw some fun questions Silvi’s way to get to know her a little better:

• What’s your favorite food?
  • “Empanadas! They’re these delicious Latin American pastries that I could eat every day.”

• What’s your go-to activity?
  • “I love going for long walks with my husband, our dog Bella, and friends. And, of course, travelling and soaking up different cultures.”

• How do you unwind after a busy day?
  • “Cooking is my therapy. And if I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me lost in an audiobook.”

• What’s your favourite thing about teaching?
  • “Sharing my passion for languages and seeing my students reach their goals. It’s the best feeling!”

• Tell us a fun fact about you!
  • (Laughs) “When I talk fast or get angry, I slip into Spanglish. And trust me, you’ll know I’m serious if I start swearing in Spanish!”

Silvi’s zest for teaching Spanish lessons at la Academia or in schools and nurseries is infectious. Her enthusiasm lights up the room. So, what are you waiting for if you haven’t had the pleasure of Spanish lessons with Silvi yet? Get in touch, sign up for one of her classes, and experience the joy of learning Spanish with a generous sprinkling of enjoyment!

Demand for Flamenco lessons has surged dramatically, thanks to the irresistible allure of stage and screen hits like Burn the Floor and Strictly. So, it’s no surprise toe-tapping Brits are queueing up for a piece of whirlwind armography and vivacious costumes.

But there’s a twist that isn’t about the dance…

Spanish Language and Cultural Bonanza

Spanish language students of all ages are flocking to educational and participative Flamenco events. Or how about organising your own? What better way to enhance your language skills than by immersing yourself in the rhythmic beats and expressive moves of this passionate dance?

You see, Flamenco events are a symphony of sensations, with the mouthwatering aromas of paella and tapas wafting through the air, while jugs of authentic Sangria clink together, and the dancers eddy and promenade.

Moreover, it’s a grand production starring Spanish guitars, soul-stirring singing, and a chorus of hand claps and finger snaps that elevate the dance to a lively art form. And guess who’s completely mesmerised by it? Children.

As a result, schools are booking on-site Flamenco sessions. And why not? There’s so much more to gain than fancy footwork. It’s a confidence-boosting, concentration-enhancing, and flexibility-fostering extravaganza!

So, what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to tap into the lessons, feasts, and language learning benefits spinning their way from the dance floor into hearts and minds?

At La Academia, we believe the fiery Flamenco is more than a dance. It’s a whole sensory experience that’s uniting cultures and generations, one vibrant step at a time. So, why not get in touch about our Flamenco event services for business or pleasure, or Flamenco dancing for schools.

That’s the enchantment of multicultural days to supplement traditional language learning in primary schools. So, what exactly are they, and why are they so powerful?

Engage and Inspire Beyond Traditional Classroom Learning

Picture donning a beret and munching on croissants while saying “Bonjour” with a flourish. Voilà! It’s a French-themed day, enabling your young students not just to learn about France in textbooks, but to experience its charm firsthand.

Dive Into Different Cultures, Languages, and Traditions

There’s more to multicultural days than getting a taste of foreign cuisines, (although that’s a major perk!). These fantastical days are interactive experiences. For example, a Spanish-themed day gives your pupils a captivating opportunity to shake maracas and try their hand at flamenco dancing, besides tucking in to a cheeky churro or several. It’s like a Spanish fiesta igniting your assembly hall! Olé!

Discover a Whole New Way of Thinking and Connecting with People 

If you’re still wondering, “Why should my school team up with a leading local language school for these epic adventures?” Well, think about this… Language is like a magical key that unlocks the door to a whole new world. Accordingly, imagine equipping students to chat with new friends from across the globe, not just in English, but in their own native language? Plus, they’ll gain a treasure chest of knowledge about different countries – from the food they eat to the games they play.

So, it’s time to rally the troops if your primary school hasn’t yet experienced the joys of multicultural days. They’re like mini celebrations sprinkled throughout the school year, where your children become global explorers, indulging their natural curiosity, and preparing to conquer new cultural frontiers.

At La Academia, we currently offer multicultural days in primary schools in Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian and Russian. Why not get in touch to give your intrepid pupils a unique insight into the country itself, as well as the language.

Here are six inspired reasons why collaborations of this nature are reimagining the delivery of modern foreign languages in primary schools:

1. Multicultural Days: A local language school can help primary schools to organise multicultural days, celebrating the rich diversity of languages and cultures. Children can immerse themselves in Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese traditions, fostering an appreciation for different cultures.

2. Language Curriculum Teaching: With ongoing skills shortages in the teaching arena, a reputable local language school can step in and provide language curriculum lessons on an outsourced basis.

3. PPA Cover: Primary schools often face challenges in providing effective PPA (Planning, Preparation, and Assessment) cover for teachers. But some local language schools offer this service, ensuring that language lessons can continue seamlessly while regular teachers clear their necessary admin.

4. Consultancy Services: Non-specialist teachers might feel less confident in delivering language lessons when lacking in guidance and resources. But, collaboration with a leading language school empowers teachers to overcome these challenges, and improve the overall quality of language education.

5. After School & Lunchtime Clubs: Enlisting the services of a local language school can make it easier for primary schools to offer after school or lunchtime Spanish and French clubs. These extracurricular activities create an engaging environment where children can practice their language skills in a fun way.

6. Flamenco Workshops: An impressive language school might have access to cultural resources, such as flamenco workshops. These interactive sessions introduce children to the colours and vibrancy of music, dance, and the traditions of Spanish-speaking countries, adding a dynamic and immersive element that brings language to life for little learners.

With a new school year just around the corner, why not get in touch with us, at La Academia, to reinvigorate your language delivery with one of our native and fun teachers? With over 20 years of experience teaching in South Manchester, our qualified teachers bring innovative and engaging learning to your small students.

MFL became mandatory at primary school levels in 2014, for –

• KS1 – 5-7 year-olds
• KS2 – 7-11 year-olds

But surprisingly, Ofsted’s subject lead for languages Michael Wardle has witnessed a very mixed bag of results. He explained, “…given that many pupils should have been leaving Year 6 with four years’ worth of language study, it was disappointing to see how many schools were barely out of the starting block with their curriculum.” 

It’s a conundrum for many primary school teams, given the well-reported shortage of language teachers in the UK. But, finding an effective solution doesn’t have to be so challenging with trusted supplementary help at hand.

3 Brilliant Primary School MFL Boosts to Try 

Forming a meaningful partnership with a well-reputed local language school has the potential to resolve your MFL issues, and keep them resolved, with –

• Term time after school and lunch clubs to reinforce and amplify your school hours curriculum

• Multicultural days that provide engaging and memorable experiences to students, bringing language learning to life with national foods, music, singing and dancing

• PPA cover during periods of temporary skills shortages, e.g. when you’re recruiting to replace a teacher who has left, or the provision of specialist MFI support on a more semi-permanent basis

Michael Wardle has seen many instances of external supplementary help significantly boosting MFL standards in primary schools, concluding that, “… where a specialist teacher visits the school, class teachers practised what has been taught during the week in between languages lessons”.

At La Academia, our primary school MFL teachers are all experienced language teachers of KS1 and KS2 groups. So, if know you’ve still got work to do around MFL, get in touch to arrange a free lesson to try us for fit –

• Telephone – 0161 4911444
• Email – info@laacademia.co.uk

Sources 
Supporting Foreign Languages in your School: A guide for governors in primary schools, Association of School and College Leaders
Languages in outstanding primary schools, Michael Wardle, Ofsted

The World Atlas states, “Spanish is the most spoken language of Argentina. This fact can be accredited to the history of the country as a Spanish colony and the widespread use of the language at independence. Today, the vast majority of the population, 40.9 million, speak this language.”

Argentina; famous for its tango, its fine wines, Evita and… ‘the hand of God’!!!

When we caught up with Silvi for this month’s In the Staffroom, there was plenty of reminiscing about Argentina, where she grew up speaking the Spanish language natively.

Q  Silvi, hi! It makes a change to chat with one of our Spanish teachers about a different country than Spain. We’re looking forward to you telling us more about Argentina.

A  Hola! Yes, I was born in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

I’m the middle one of three sisters. Always fighting with both! Sisters! And Latin American spark! It’s a fiery combination.

As most people who leave their own country to live somewhere else, the most memorable memories are all around food. I have lovely memories of growing up in warm and sunny Buenos Aires.  My early recollections are all around “fiestas” with my massive family, or “asados ” (barbecues) with friends.

I can still recall the tastes and smells of spending new year with the family around the pool, eating watermelon and ice-cream as a child with cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents.

Q  Do you still manage to spend any time in Argentina these days?

A  Sure. We go every couple of years. I’ve passed my love of Argentina to the next generation. Even though my children are grown now, if we decide to go back to Argentina, both my children won’t miss it. And it’s great to see the family and all our friends who are still there.

Q  We all have an attachment to our home countries. But what makes Argentina so special for you?

A  I love the weather, the sunshine. It’s very rare to have a rainy day in Argentina, and if you do have one, you just stay in. Imagine if we did the same in Manchester? We’d always be stuck inside; we’d never leave the house!

And I adore Argentinian food! The empanadas, the alfajores, de dulce de leche… I can keep going on forever…

Q  La Academia is probably best known for teaching the Spanish language. Do you have a particular field of expertise?

A  I teach Spanish to the mini ones at La Academia. I love interacting with them and teaching them through songs, puppets, stories… they absolutely love it!

I love teaching adults, too, we all become great friends. I’ll occasionally tell them about some of the pickles I got in to because of the English language when we arrived here 20 years ago. I could write a book. But some of my tales are too embarrassing to share publicly!

Q  And when school’s out, what keeps you busy?

A  I love going for long walks with my husband and the dog, seeing friends, going for meals out and I especially love travel, going on holidays to different places every time.

At La Academia, our children’s language courses are often the beginnings of lifelong love affairs with Spain, thanks to Silvi’s fun and engaging teaching methods. Get in touch for more details about course schedules and availability.

Source
What Languages Are Spoken In Argentina? Amber Pariona, World Atlas