LANGUAGES
INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATION
On Wednesday 15 February, our Year 11 German class was excited to meet our German senior participants in the Intergenerational Conversation program which started in its fifth year at McKinnon Secondary College.
We welcomed six German senior participants to our first conversation. Some of them have been attending for all these years, some only joined last year.
Monash University researched this program in the past; that connects younger language learners with older bilinguals. The study on this project revealed that there are mutual gains for all involved. Whilst our young learners improve their oral and aural communication skills through natural conversations with native speakers, our senior volunteers facilitate active aging and feel valued and appreciated for the contributions they make. Monash University also found “evidence of significant improvements of senior citizens’ quality of life, health and well-being”. The program equally develops a better understanding amongst our students for the ageing population.
A few student reflections after our first session:
“I really enjoyed the session. All of the people I met were really nice and interesting to talk/listen to. The cake was an added bonus and was very enjoyable”.
“Talking to the seniors was a very enjoyable experience, it was good to put German speaking into practice outside the classroom”.
“Meeting with the German guests was a great way to extend our conversational skills and get to know individuals from the community outside of McKinnon. We enjoyed exchanging stories about ourselves and our everyday lives as well as where we come from, what our families are like and activities we enjoy taking part in”.
“Having this talking practice helped me to be more confident in speaking German in everyday conversation”.
We are looking forward to our Intergenerational Conversations this year and thank all senior participants for raising the students’ interest in their first conversations.
Year 9 and 10 French students will have the opportunity to attend the French Film Festival. Please make sure payment and consent for this excursion will be made on time.
Films are a great extension to Language learning, so why not see a French film with your family?
Further information can be found on
Andrea Fowler
Head of Languages
Year 9 and 10 French students will have the opportunity to attend the French Film Festival. Please make sure payment and consent for this excursion will be made on time.
Films are a great extension to Language learning, so why not see a French film with your family?
Further information can be found on
Andrea Fowler
Head of Languages