Languages

Students are encouraged to continue with their chosen language in Year 9 as part of their elective studies. (When students choose French or Japanese, this choice is a year-long commitment; thus students should choose both Semester 1 and Semester 2 studies.)

French

Aim

The aim of studies in the French language 

• To develop the ability to communicate in written and spoken French 
• To encourage interest in, and understanding of, French culture and society 

Content

Based on topics and sequence in the Allez 2 text and workbook, students increase the depth and range of their communicative abilities in the language. Students learn vocabulary and expressions by exploring a broad range of topics including cultural differences, famous French historical figures, entertainment, media and advertising, technology, relationships and money. They continue to practise their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. They extend their knowledge of grammar from present to past tense (perfect and imperfect), near future tense, comparatives and superlatives.

Prerequisite

Years 7 and 8 French.

Assessment

Assessment is through selected tasks in the four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing; unit tests and assignments examining aspects of French language and culture.

Japanese

Aim

The aim of studies in the Japanese language 

• To develop the ability to communicate in written and spoken Japanese
• To encourage interest in, and understanding of, Japanese culture and society 

Content

Students build on their prior knowledge of Japanese by expanding their knowledge of katakana and kanji. They build their vocabulary in order to discuss dates, seasons and events on a Japanese school calendar. They exchange information about hobbies and the leisure activities they engage in during their free time. Reference is made to modes of transport and the locations for activities. Students learn to structure sentences incorporating the new vocabulary, gain a better understanding of how particles work, use conjunctions to connect ideas and conjugate verbs to produce the negative and past tense.

Prerequisite

Years 7 and 8 Japanese.

Assessment

Selected tasks in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, such as unit tests and assignments examining aspects of Japanese language and culture.