Languages

Years 7 - 10

Stage 4

Across Years 7 and 8, students engage with Chinese - Mandarin and Japanese, building their skills and focusing on the practical application of language skills to everyday situations. Students will have the opportunity to develop knowledge of the language, but also learn about and engage in cultural aspects. Extension is also built into the program to ensure that students are challenged at the appropriate level.

Stage 5

Japanese is offered as an elective course in Years 9 and 10. Students can pursue language studies to further deepen their knowledge and understanding.

Chinese is a new language being presented in Stage 4 for the first time in 2023. It will then be offered as an elective course for the first time in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) in 2025.

Years 11 - 12

Japanese and Chinese are offered as 2-unit and Extension courses in the senior school.

Learning in the four skills areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing is supplemented by additional resources, including computer programs, access to internet sites, reading programs, and a range of audio-visual materials, to support the main topics covered in the courses.

Cultural exchange

The school hosts an annual visit from Nanzan High School (Japan), and students can apply for overseas exchange opportunities to Japan (Hurstville Council) and Germany (Goethe Institute).

Competitions

Students studying a language in Years 9 and 11 participate in the annual Language Competence Certificate. Students also participate in The Japan Foundation’s Essay Writing Competition, Japanese Video Matsuri, and Chinese Speech Competition.

Excursions

Students will also learn about the cultural customs of the countries where the languages are spoken. They will have the opportunity to taste food, visit restaurants, view films and take part in any other excursions or activities deemed appropriate.