Languages

Year 7 Language taster lessons

Last week, as part of our ASC Languages Programme, Year 7 students had the opportunity to have lessons in French, German and Japanese. These students will have to complete the mandated 100 hours of language study during Year 8; so now they can make a more informed decision about which language they wish to choose for next year.

As part of the Japanese lesson, students made numbers in Kanji from sour worms!

Here are some comments from some Year 7 students regarding their experience:

'Language is good because it helps us learn about other cultures',
'Cultures were interesting and unique',
'I wish there were more languages to choose from',
'Dancing was great',
'The German accent is cool',
'French words sound nice and elegant',
'Learning how to count was fun',
'Japanese was cool'.

At ASC we have a comprehensive language programme with electives available in Stage 5, and Beginners and Continuers courses for Stage 6 students.

ASC has developed strong relationships across the world. In Japan we have a sister-school, frequent video conferences and exchange visits. We also have pen-pal exchanges with students in Germany, Switzerland, France and French Polynesia. We actively encourage more students to choose language studies - it is both beneficial and fun!

Cranes for Genbaku

In Japanese class this week students have been learning about the stories from Hiroshima and the aftermath of the genbaku (atomic bomb) 75 years ago. This coincides with the genbaku anniversary on 6 August. Students also learned that three days later on 9 August, another genbaku was dropped on Nagasaki.

Students have been making paper cranes as a symbol of hope for world peace and to reflect on the atrocities of war. We hope these events may never be forgotten or repeated. Students learnt the story of Sadako Sasaki and also Junko Morimoto’s story as a survivor. We will endeavor to make 1,000 cranes to display in our school as a symbol of peace and friendship. Unfortunately due to COVID we cannot deliver the cranes to the Hiroshima Peace Park in person this year.

Year 9 Japanese partnership

On Monday, 3 August, we met up via video-conference with students from Akebi High School, in Hokkaido, Japan. Akebi is ASC's Japanese Video Conference partner school.

Students from Year 9 prepared a presentation about traditional events in Australia. Akebi students reciprocated by telling us about festivals and traditional events in Japan. There were lots of happy faces as the two groups of students interacted with each other.

It is wonderful that our students have these opportunities to interact with teenagers across the globe! It is a great example of practicing intercultural communication, and we hope it is the basis for our students to continue their Language studies and enjoy international friendships.

We have more video conferences planned for the year so students have something to look forward to!

Deborah Moore

Teacher - Japanese