In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.
In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.
Japanese is our speciality
We have been teaching Japanese at Dulwich High School 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.
We feel it is important that students learn Japanese as we head deeper into the 'Asian century'. The school has a sister school in Japan, the Onigiri school, which students from Years 9 and 10 visited last year. Students from this school have also visited us. These visits further enrich our links, as well as students' knowledge of Japanese language and culture.
Japanese in Years 9 and 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 Tanken centre, Japanese film festival, exhibitions and Japanese restaurants deepen participants understanding of Japanese language and culture.
Students studying Japanese mentor visiting Japanese school students and these occasions allow them to use their acquired language in an authentic situation. Students who have not studied Japanese before are still able to begin in year 9 as this is the entry level for the course.
Japanese in Years 11 and 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 and 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.
