Language News

Celebrating the 2025 Chinese New Year!

As we celebrate the 2025 Chinese New Year, we would like to wish everyone 新年快乐！(Happy New Year!) Happy New Year to everyone! May this year bring you joy, prosperity, and new beginnings as we embrace the traditions and festivities of this special time.

To mark the occasion, Year 9 students embraced the tradition of writing spring couplets, a beloved custom that involves crafting hopeful phrases to welcome the new year. These decorative couplets are often displayed on doorways, symbolizing good fortune and happiness for the year ahead.

Year 8 students also joined the celebrations by creating beautiful window flowers. These vibrant paper flowers are a common sight in Chinese homes during the New Year, representing prosperity, renewal, and fresh beginnings.

Both activities offered students a fun and meaningful opportunity to engage with Chinese cultural traditions, while deepening their understanding of the significance of the holiday.

Exciting Launch of the German Immersion Program at The Gap SHS in 2025!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the German Immersion Program (GIP) at The Gap State High School in 2025! This exciting new opportunity allows Year 7 students to embark on a bilingual journey, learning German through an innovative teaching method known as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).

CLIL is an evidence-based approach that combines language learning with content learning. In the German Immersion Program, students will learn not only the German language but also core curriculum content—such as science, history, and mathematics—through German. This method allows students to develop a deeper understanding of both the subject matter and the language, providing a truly immersive and practical learning experience.

The benefits of bilingual education are vast. Not only does it enhance cognitive skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking, but it also opens doors to global opportunities. In an increasingly interconnected world, being proficient in multiple languages is a valuable asset that prepares students for future success. Through the German Immersion Program, students will build strong language skills, gain a deeper understanding of German-speaking cultures, and develop confidence in using a second language for academic purposes. Additionally, they will enhance their global awareness and intercultural competence.

The program is led by Dr. Inga Mertens-Walker, the coordinator who has worked diligently on the development of the curriculum and the design of the German Immersion Program. Dr. Mertens-Walker brings extensive experience in teaching and curriculum development and will be leading the GIP Science and Humanities classes. The GIP Math classes will be taught by Mrs. Harris, who is committed to supporting students as they master mathematical concepts through the German language. Additionally, Mrs. Low will be teaching the German-specific classes, ensuring that students gain proficiency in the German language through a tailored curriculum designed specifically for immersion learners.

Throughout the year, students will take part in fun, hands-on activities that mix language learning with other subjects. They will work with classmates in both German and English to improve their communication skills and apply their German knowledge to real-world situations.

This new program at The Gap SHS reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge educational experiences that prepare our students for an increasingly globalized world. We are excited to support our students as they take this first step in their journey toward becoming confident, bilingual learners.

Stay tuned for more updates as we begin this exciting new chapter in 2025! We can’t wait to see the incredible progress our Year 7 students will make in the German Immersion Program.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact GIP@thegapshs.eq.edu.au

The Gap State High School: Preparing students for the world ahead!

Reflections on the 2024 China Trip

 A Journey of Language, Culture, and Personal Growth

Our Year 10 and 11 Chinese students recently returned from an unforgettable trip to China, and as we reflect on the experience, it’s clear that this journey was much more than just a chance to visit cultural and historical sites—it was an opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the language and culture they’ve been studying and to grow as individuals.

Visiting Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai, the students had the unique chance to practice their Chinese language skills in real-world settings, engaging with locals and navigating daily conversations in a way that textbooks alone cannot provide. Whether ordering food, asking for directions, or interacting with school students in China, the language practice was invaluable, and students quickly saw the difference that being surrounded by the language made to their fluency and confidence.

Alongside language practice, the trip offered an incredible cultural education. Students visited some of China’s most iconic historical sites, such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors, which brought the lessons they had learned in class to life in vivid detail. Walking through these ancient landmarks, students gained a deeper appreciation for the vast history and heritage of China, connecting the dots between the country’s past and its present.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting a local school and engaging with Chinese students. This cultural exchange allowed our students to not only practice their Chinese in a casual, social setting but also to learn firsthand about school life and education in China. Sharing in traditional Chinese games and activities was a fun and educational way to experience local culture, offering our students a deeper understanding of Chinese leisure activities that have been enjoyed for generations.

Beyond the academic and cultural aspects, the trip also contributed to each student's personal growth. Traveling to a foreign country, navigating new environments, and encountering unfamiliar situations pushed everyone out of their comfort zones. It required adaptability, independence, and resilience—skills that will serve our students well in all areas of life. Many students returned from the trip with a greater sense of confidence, not just in their ability to speak Chinese, but in their ability to thrive in unfamiliar situations and embrace new challenges.

Looking ahead, this trip has set a high standard for future student travel experiences. It was clear that the blend of language learning, cultural immersion, and personal development made this trip an incredibly enriching experience. As we reflect on this journey, we are excited about the possibilities for future trips and the continued opportunity for students to grow as global citizens—ready to face the world with a broader perspective and a greater appreciation for other cultures.

We are eager to offer similar opportunities in the future, helping students to continue their language learning journey, expand their cultural understanding, and develop into more confident, curious, and well-rounded individuals.