In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
Learning a language provides students with an opportunity to communicate and engage with the world and its people. Students learn the target language by developing and applying their knowledge of the language and culture(s).
Studying a language enhances communication with speakers of the target language and equips learners with intercultural capability. They engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and develop respect, openness and empathy.
Japanese
Our school has taught Japanese since 1991. Many of our graduates have gone on to tertiary study, travel and employment in which Japanese has been a focus.
Japanese has become an important language in Australia. Japan is a major trading partner and due to our strengthening trade, tourism, business and cultural links, students having some knowledge of the language and culture have a definite advantage in finding employment.
Tourism is the fastest growing industry in Australia and employment opportunities for Japanese speakers are expanding rapidly. Japanese has been identified as one of the priority languages in the Asia-Pacific region to be taught in Australian schools.
Our school has a sister school in Japan (Onigiri School) which students from Years 9 & 10 have visited, and vice versa. These visits enhance our connections and deepen students' understanding of Japanese language and culture.
Japanese in Years 9 & 10
The aim of the course is to enable students to develop communication skills, focus on languages as systems and gain insights into the relationship between language and culture, leading to lifelong personal, educational and vocational benefits.
Excursions to the Nihongo Tanken Centre, Cherry Blossom Festivals, exhibitions and Japanese restaurants deepen participants understanding of Japanese language and culture.
Students studying Japanese in Years 9 & 10 also mentor Japanese students visiting our school. These occasions allow them to use their acquired language in an authentic situation.
Japanese in Years 11 & 12
Continuers Course
ATAR Category A
2 Units in each of the preliminary and HSC and an optional 1 Unit HSC Extension Board Developed Course.
Students who have studied Japanese in Years 9 & 10 may continue their study through the Continuers Course.
The Preliminary and HSC courses focus on themes and associated topics.
Students' skills in, and knowledge of, Japanese will be developed through tasks associated with a range of texts and text types, which reflect the themes and topics.
Students will also gain insight into the culture and language of Japanese- speaking communities and the changing world.
Continuers Course Outcomes
You should be able to:
- Communicate with native speakers of Japanese and travel and study in Japan.
- Exchange information, opinions and experiences in Japanese.
- Express ideas through the production of original texts that are in Japanese.
- Understand and appreciate Japanese culture and society.
- Apply Japanese language skills in work, further study and leisure activities.
- Continue the study of Japanese at tertiary level.
Beginners Course
ATAR Category A
Students who have not studied Japanese before or only studied the 100 hours course are able to study this dynamic 2 year, 2 unit course.
Themes and topics studied are similar to those described in the Continuers Course but studied in less depth.
Beginers Course Outcomes
At the end of the course you should be able to:
- Communicate on a personal level with native speakers of Japanese and travel and study in Japan.
- Understand and appreciate Japanese culture and society.
- Further knowledge of Japanese through continued learning or for future employment opportunities.
Italian
Extensive migration from Italy during the last 150 years has resulted in Italian being spoken in many countries in Europe, in North and South America, Africa and Australia. The study of Italian is relevant to students in Australia because Italian is a strong community language. The history of Italian settlement in Australia can be traced to the First Fleet in 1788 and Italian-speaking communities in Australia continue to play a significant role in our culturally diverse society.
Italy is one of the most industrially and economically advanced nations in the world and ranks among Australia’s top international trading partners in a mutually supportive trade relationship. Italy remains a strong buyer of Australian primary products, while Australia has been a consistent buyer of Italian technology and design. A significant number of Italian companies have branches in Australia.
Italians and the Italian language make a distinctive contribution to politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, science, literature, film and theatre. The study of Italian enhances students’ enjoyment and appreciation of these areas. Students have much to gain by acquiring knowledge of the language and cultural heritage of Italy.
The study of Italian provides students with opportunities for continued learning and for future employment and experience, both domestically and internationally, in areas such as public relations, commerce, hospitality, education, marketing, international relations, media and tourism.
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
100 Hours Course
All Year 7 students will study a compulsory 100 hours (two 75 minutes periods per week) of LOTE- either Italian or Japanese. In Japanese, they will learn to read and write Japanese characters (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji). Students will develop knowledge of the culture of Japanese-speaking communities and an understanding of the interdependence of language and culture.
In Italian, they will learn to communicate in a range of forms in basic Italian. Students will develop knowledge of the culture of Italian-speaking communities and an understanding of the interdependence of language and culture.
