LANGUAGES

GERMAN DAY OUT AND MIFF NEXT GEN

On Wednesday 27 July, eighty Year 9 and 10 German students attended the forum “In die weite Welt” (Into the wide world) at the Melbourne Town Hall. Guest speakers spoke about the opportunities that German language study offered and invited students to look beyond their study at school. They encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities provided by schools and German organisations, such as the Goethe Institut, AGTV, BJ scholarships and hosting opportunities, DAAD or universities. The benefits of having another language had definitely paid off for each speaker, offering more opportunities in more job markets. Becoming a snowboard instructor in Austria or working in hospitality, working and studying in a German speaking country looked more and more attractive. The many guest speakers that had gained international experience during school or study exchanges, or had found work placements because of their language skills, described their experiences as life changing and the best in their life. The information on very reasonable study fees should have convinced the last sceptic to give it a go in a German speaking country.

During this event, a SAGSE scholarship was awarded and two McKinnon students proudly accepted the GERMAN Language Perfect Cup, a trophy that is awarded every year to the winner of the Victorian participants.

After lunch, the Melbourne International Film Festival Next Gen offered a perfect addition to the German Day Out. Students visited the ACMI at Federation Square and enjoyed the movie “Mara und der Feuerbringer”. The movie took us to Munich, where a teenage girl finds out that the fate of the world rests on her shoulders. It is a funny fantasy film that offers key themes such as bullying, problem solving, parental conflict, valuing education, resolving conflict, mythology, the arts and history.

Thank you to Mr Nutting for organising the day.

The following link provided by the AGTV offers videos of German speakers, giving their opinion on why German is a useful language to learn. Choose German https://vimeo.com/album/2491489

If you have any further questions please contact Ms Fowler.

VCE VET IN APPLIED LANGUAGE - ANOTHER PATHWAY FOR LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Many students are currently considering their subject choices for VCE. Language students who complete a Certificate II in Applied German, French or another language in Year 10 will already receive two units of credit towards their VCE at Units 1 and 2 level.

In 2015, the Victorian Government changed the acknowledgement for VET in VCE. A Certificate III in Applied Language is now counted as a VCE subject and students are eligible for three units of credit towards their VCE: a Unit 3 and 4 sequence and a Unit 3.

Students who receive a Units 3 and 4 sequence for VCE VET Certificate III in Applied Language will be eligible for an increment towards their ATAR (10% of the average of the primary four scaled studies).

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career or further training in language studies, but does not have the pressure of marks and accurate grammar.

All students who are completing Certificate II in Applied Language are encouraged to continue with Certificate III to have their qualifications recognized in their VCE.

The Victorian School of Languages now also offers the VET Certificate II and III in several other languages. For further information https://www.vsl.vic.edu.au/VET/Default.aspx

LANGUAGES EXCURSIONS

Please note that notification of excursions is provided timely on Compass and consent and payment must be received by the due date. Planning and booking for events do not allow us to accept consent and payment past the due date.

Andrea Fowler

Head of Languages