Languages

Developing Creative Minds 

Years 7, 8 and 10 students studied and researched a number of topics which included calligraphy, Chinese cuisine, The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Silk Road, Confucius, Giant Panda, and the history of Chinese people in Australia.

These subjects require students to undertake a considerable amount of research both individually and as a group. This tested students skills in being able to locate information, comprehend it and respond both in with their presentations which were in English and Chinese.

I have been pleasantly surprised by how well the students have worked as a team and by their productivity levels. Their research has been methodical and their written and oral presentations have been of a high standard. It reminded me of a successful basketball team working together to win the game. 

Students were required to reflect on their presentations. Most students have told me they learned a lot from their projects and some said they felt like they had a little light bulb moment. Through practical and theoretical applications, their growth during this time has been immense and I'm extremely proud of them. 

Ning Zhang

Chinese Language Teacher

Year 10 Italian

Prof Allen & Prof Brogno decided to combine their year 10 Italian classes for our last lesson for 2020.

Given the challenges of remote teaching and learning and the amount of time students were spending sitting in front of their computers, we decided to organise a Running Dictation activity where students could still use their language skills while being physically active.

Students worked in groups of 3 or 4. Each group was required to transcribe an Italian text from a piece of writing which was placed approximately 8 meters away. Students had to run back and forth trying to memorise and correctly spell the words in the text to re-create it perfectly.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to get out in the fresh air, to work with others from a different class and to work together for a common goal.

It did help that there were lollies involved!

Prof Brogno & I have been so proud of the way our students navigated what has been a difficult year.

All the best for 2021.

Grazie

Luisa Allen

Italian Teacher