Languages

'...achieving proficiency in other languages is one of the great learning experiences in the human condition … the compelling reasons for learning languages reside in the intellectual enrichment of the individual learner – a better understanding of the world, Australia’s place in it, and the many communities within Australia.’ (Australian Language and Literacy Council, 1996, Language Teachers: The Pivot of Policy, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, p 3)

The LOTE faculty provides students with enriching language learning experiences that open doors to new cultures, perspectives, and global opportunities. Studying a language develops communication skills, cultural awareness, and cognitive abilities that are valuable in today’s interconnected world.

Our diverse language programs are designed to engage students through interactive activities, practical conversation, and cultural exploration. Whether for travel, future careers, or personal growth, learning a language through the LOTE faculty enhances students’ confidence and cross-cultural understanding.

Japanese and French usually can be studied at Beginners, Continuers and Extension level.

Our program incorporates differentiated work and extension, ensuring that all students are challenged at an appropriate level.

Join us to broaden your horizons, connect with others, and embrace the world of languages!

Stage 4:

Students are introduced to language and culture, including food, fashion, geography, and daily life. They learn essential communication skills such as greetings, introducing themselves, talking about their age, nationality, family, and telephone numbers, counting, describing colours and body parts, using basic verbs, discussing the seasons and weather, telling the time, and talking about food and clothing. These topics provide the foundation for everyday communication in Japanese.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to Japanese culture (food, fashion, geography, and daily life)
• Greetings and self-introductions
• Age, nationality, and telephone numbers
• Numbers and counting
• Colours and body parts
• Hobbies
• Seasons and weather
• Telling the time
• Food and drinks
• Clothing
• Everyday communication skills

Stage 5:

Students build on their foundational language skills by exploring topics such as the Japanese school system, homes and the local environment, asking for and giving directions, discussing school events and hobbies, ordering food in restaurants, checking in at hotels, travelling, and making future plans. They also develop their understanding of more complex grammatical structures, enabling them to communicate with greater accuracy and confidence in a wider range of real-life situations.

Topics covered include:

• Family and animals
• School system
• Homes and the local environment
• Asking for and giving directions
• School events
• Hobbies and leisure activities
• Ordering food in restaurants
• Checking in at hotels
• Travel and holidays
• Future plans
• More complex grammar structures for extended communication

Stage 6

Students undertake the Stage 6 Japanese Continuers 2 Unit HSC course, developing advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. They explore a range of contemporary and cultural topics through authentic texts and interactions, while refining their ability to communicate effectively in Japanese. Students study increasingly sophisticated grammar and vocabulary, analyse and respond to a variety of text types, and produce extended spoken and written responses in preparation for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination.

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