School Profile - Faculties - Languages

Konnichi wa! Ciao! Welcome to the Languages faculty at Davidson High.  The Languages faculty is staffed by:

• Mrs Curtis

• Ms McPherson

• Ms Low

The two languages offered for study are Italian and Japanese.  Students coming to Davidson High are asked to pre-select a language before they begin in Year 7.

Students study the chosen language for two years in Years 7 and 8. It is mandated by the Board of Studies that students undertake 100 hours of compulsory study in Stage 4.

In Years 9 and 10, language is offered as an elective subject. Students wishing to continue their language study in senior years can undertake either the Beginners or the Continuers course. Eligibility for these courses is dependent upon the hours of study undertaken at primary and/or junior high school level. Generally, students who have undertaken a Language at Years 9 and /or 10 level must do the Continuers course.

Students studying the Continuers course, who wish to extend their Languages skills have the option of studying the Languages at the Extension level. Davidson High students have achieved outstanding results in the Higher School Certificate exams in Languages including second in the state for Japanese in 2005.

PROGRAMS

Every lesson aims to incorporate the four macro skills of language teaching and learning:

• speaking

• listening

• reading

• writing

Special care is taken to drill students in speaking skills so that they are able to speak with the correct pronunciation, intonation and tone.

It is expected that students are able to introduce themselves and answer simple questions about themselves even after the minimum mandatory 100 hours of study in Stage 5.  In addition, special occasions and festivals are celebrated in class and games, food and cooking lessons form part of the program.

TECHNOLOGY

The use of Information Technology is embedded in our programs. Apart from the use of audiovisual materials to supplement the course book and workbook, Language learning software, online lessons using the Internet and activities in the computer rooms is used to further reinforce and extend students' knowledge and skills. Students develop the following computer skills during the course of their Language lessons; word processing, Internet research and PowerPoint presentations.

EXCURSIONS

Elective Language classes enjoy excursions to a variety of places during their course of Language study. Past excursions have included trips to:

• Leichhardt to enjoy Italian food

• the Japanese Immersion Centre at Kirrawee

• Cowra Japanese Gardens for the Cherry blossom festival and restaurants

Year 8 Language classes participate in a special Language Day at school. The day is filled with activities such as cooking, games, bands, drama and performance groups and guest presenters where students have the opportunity to try out their Language communication skills.

OVERSEAS TRIPS

Where possible, trips to Italy and Japan are offered on alternate years. Trips to Italy are an excellent introduction to the country, its language, culture and people.

Tours to Japan include study programs at one of our two sister schools in Japan as well as sightseeing of famous places on the main island. The trips are offered to students studying a Language in Years 10, 11 and 12.  These overseas trips are an excellent way for students to use the Language they have been studying in an authentic context. They have been highly successful.