McKinnonNEWS

LANGUAGES

GERMAN FOLK DANCING

Back, front, tap, side!, back, front, tap, side! Year 7 learners of German watched impressed as Rowan Classen demonstrated the moves of the Schuhplattler-Tanz, a dance which is one of the most striking and eye-catching expressions of Bavarian culture.  It soon became obvious how this form of dancing could keep you fit, and Rowan certainly put out the challenge to our Year 7s on the Wednesday 3 December to see if they could keep up with him.  It didn’t take long ‘til all participants were deftly slapping their feet and thighs as Rowan carefully built up their abilities through each stage of the dance.  

 

Students were also interested to see that the man on stage had displayed his skills in a TV ad for snack food.  The Schuhplattler-Tanz dance lesson was a lively way to extend students’ cultural learning about the German-speaking countries.

 

FRENCH EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Students taking part in the French exchange program are now in France.  After a long journey, they arrived at Nice’s airport where they were greeted by their French partners.

 

They spent the weekend with their host families and started school last Monday morning at 8:00am!  The French school had organized a welcome breakfast with croissants to ease them into the French school rhythm.  The French principal, Monsieur Brulant, welcomed our students and Ms Dickson and wished them an enjoyable time for their stay.

 

During their first week at school, our students participated in various classes including sport.  They attended special classes delivered by French teachers, French classes taught by Ms Dickson, and they contributed to the French school life by delivering presentations on Australia in English classes.  McKinnon students are also involved in a project with a French history class.  They are collaborating with French students in a research project about the ANZAC presence during the First World War and will create radio clips about their work. 

 

 

Several excursions are planned during their stay to get to know the local environment.  Last week students visited Cannes and a ‘Wolf Park’ in the French mountains.  They were quite taken by the wolves, but more by the scenery surrounding them.  We wish all students an enjoying experience at the Centre International de Valbonne and are looking forward to hearing more about their French adventures on their return.

CHOOSE WISELY FOR YOUR FUTURE!

Languages Associations have been promoting the new VCE Baccalaureate in Victoria. From 2014, students completing the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) will be eligible to be conferred the VCD (Baccalaureate).  

 

Students do not have to opt in.  If they meet the criteria, they will automatically receive this certificate.

 

The VCE studies must include:

 

  • a Units 3 and 4 sequence in English or Literature or English Language with a study score of 30 or above; or a Units 3 and 4 sequence in EAL with a study score of 33 or above
  • a Units 3 and 4 sequence in either Mathematics Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics
  • a Units 3 and 4 sequence in a VCE Language
  • at least two other Units 3 and 4 sequences
  • The VCE Baccalaureate provides an additional form of recognition for students who choose to complete these studies.

THE LANGUAGES FACULTY WOULD LIKE TO WISH

 

 

Andrea Fowler

Head of Languages