LANGUAGES

SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS IN YEAR 9 - ANOTHER GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN A LANGUAGE!

The McKinnon Spanish program for beginners at Year 9 level is based on social communication and cultural enrichment and includes a closer collaboration with our sister school in Cuenca, Spain. Ms Jimenez developed this course for our students which can lead into Cert II in Applied Language qualification in Year 10. The course was introduced last year and students already experienced additional workshops with Spanish soccer coaches, traditional Flamenco dancers and culinary experiences on offer. Ms Jimenez´s skills as Spanish native speaker benefits not only our students but the entire school community. We look forward to engaging more students in the Spanish Language program in the coming years.

E-BOOKS IN LANGUAGES

All French Language students are using the e-book version of the course book which needs to be purchased from Campion. Language lessons are a compulsory part of the Curriculum and give students the best start in an increasingly multilingual world.

Your child will require the online version of the prescribed textbook. You will receive an access code for the purchased book. Please make sure you keep this information secure, in case your child's access gets interrupted.

Year 8 German students are the last Year level with the Nelson online subscription to the textbook “Genau!” purchased at Campion. Please ensure your child has access to the online book. If your child is new to the school or is unable to log on, the student needs to contact the German classroom teacher.

All other German students and Year 11 and 12 French students are subscribed to Oxford online resources which are purchased by the school. The cost for these books has been included in school fees. Students will be enrolled by the administrator and have full access for the entire year.  

VET IN LANGUAGES

As in the past years, all Year 10 French and German students will be enrolled in the 10297NAT Certificate II in Applied Language. This course includes social and vocational language and is auspiced by a Registered Training Organisation, Ripponlea Institute.

The course is funded by the Government and encourages each student to complete this certificate.

This national qualification is part of our Year 10 program and acknowledges the students´ language learning. It counts for 3 units at Unit 1 and 2 level and could be completed with Certificate III in Applied Language in Year 11. Students will receive an increment to their ATAR - 10% of their 4 subjects.

This course should attract students who do not feel confident in completing VCE languages, but would still like to have their languages qualifications acknowledged in their final VCE statement.  

If your son/daughter studies another language outside of school, the Victorian School of Languages offers this certificate in several languages.

An information session will be held before the Year 10 Information Night. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE: HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

Please support your child in learning another language! Research confirms that the parents´ attitude towards language learning has a significant impact on the child's success.

Another language is a lasting asset in an increasingly demanding global world whilst many other skills undergo constant change. Languages do not only teach communication skills but also develop flexibility, creativity and higher order thinking. Language learning also adds health and social benefits. As already Goethe said “The more languages you know, the more you are human”.

The following article will give you a few tips of how to help your child!

http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/learning-a-second-language/

Andrea Fowler

Head of Languages

WELCOME TO OUR TWO NEW LANGUAGES TEACHERS: MME KOEHNE AND MME REID

Mme Koehne

Hello, my name’s Annie Koehne and I’m a graduate French teacher. I studied at Deakin and have been learning languages all my life. I fell in love with French in primary school because of an amazing teacher; whom I hope to emulate for my students. Fortunately, my passion didn’t decrease, and actually took me to study a year abroad in France for Year 12! It was hard at first, as I skipped a year and a half to the end of Year 12 and we studied cool subjects I’d never encountered before such as philosophy! My brain was so tired from the French exposure, that I accidentally started falling asleep in class – it was so embarrassing! I’m glad I persevered however as languages are a central part of my personality and I speak a little Spanish and am currently learning Serbian!

Mme Reid

I am new to the French Department at McKinnon Secondary College after eleven years of teaching French and German at Melbourne Grammar School and one year at The Knox School. Having lived in a number of countries and different cultures, I find McKinnon Secondary College fascinating in all its diversity, which I wholly embrace. Languages are a life skill that assists learners see things from different perspectives, develop problem-solving skills, and make them more adaptable, resourceful and creative. My aim is to make learning French fun and enjoyable, whilst keeping students accountable and focussed on achieving excellence.  

Gaining cultural awareness and the ability to operate cross-culturally is just as valuable as straight language skills. With this in mind, I endeavour to engage our students in a range of cultural projects this year. Languages require students to think on their feet and when they can find the correct words or suitable sentences they feel a real sense of achievement. Languages also contribute to the cognitive development of the learners and help them improve their memory which is essential for other school subjects.

In summary, whilst language learning can, undoubtedly, be challenging to many, it is worth the effort as the experience is very rewarding. In this context, I will focus on creating personalized lessons and a productive environment where each student is engaged and supported at their own level. It is a privilege to be working at McKinnon Secondary College and I look forward to a great year at the School.

FRENCH EXCHANGE 2018

Last December, sixteen of our Year 10 French students spent three and a half wonderful weeks in France, reunited with their exchange partners and meeting their families. It was an incredibly positive experience where our students learnt so much about France, French language, French culture, their host families, French school life and even about themselves.

During the weeks, the students went to school and on several excursions, exploring the French Riviera region. One highlight was a day at a 'wolf sanctuary' where the mountains were covered in fresh, soft, white snow. We ate delicious foods, saw beautiful scenery, met many kind people and had a lot of fun. The students have many memories that will stay with them forever. Many will keep in touch with their partners and their families, some already making plans to go back next year!

The current Year 10 group can now start getting excited about hosting the new selection of French students in June.

Ms Kellie Dickson

French Exchange Co-ordinator