Immersing students in authentic language and cultural experiences with the aim to prepare bilingual global citizens is the focus of the Languages Key Learning Area (KLA) at St Joseph’s Catholic High School.
The Languages KLA endeavours to actively engage students in authentic learning environments by providing them with opportunities to participate in Italian cultural events both religious and secular and use new and emerging technologies to enhance the learning and teaching process. This has made language learning interesting, fun and rewarding and also provided students with real life situations which highlight the many advantages of being bilingual.
The study of Languages plays a valuable role in the general education of students. By studying languages, students gain a better understanding of how language works and assists in the development of literacy and generic cognitive and life skills. They also acquire intellectual discipline which can be transferred to other learning areas. Furthermore, students become bilingual and learn about another culture and the immense contribution that has been made to our culturally diverse society.
Why Italian?
Italian is the most spoken language in Australia after English, with an acknowledged and significant contribution to contemporary multi-cultural Australia. Italian is an international language for communicating in the Arts. All serious musicians have to read and write Italian notations. Italian is 90% Latin, which is beneficial when studying medicine and science. With our ageing Italian born population many industries and services now require employees to be bilingual. Having knowledge of a second language is an advantage with any career choice.
STAGES 4 and 5
Year 8
The aim of the course is to give students an enjoyable and practical experience in learning another language. The set topics ensure that students will be able to communicate in another language at a basic level. Culture and life style are also an important aspect of the course. This provides an insight into cultural diversity in our society and furthermore, encourage reflection on their own cultural heritage.
Year 9 and 10
The aim of this course is to enable students to develop communication skills, focus on languages as systems and gain insights into the relationship between language and culture, leading to lifelong personal, educational and vocational benefits. The three objectives are: Using Language, Making Linguistic Connections and Moving Between Cultures. Each objective describes the active commitment students will make to the acquisition of skills in communicating in Italian and to the development of knowledge and understanding of the language and culture of Italian-speaking communities.
STAGE 6
Beginners
The Beginners Course topics provide context in which students develop their communication skills and their knowledge and understanding of language and culture.
The three objectives are:
- Interacting -Students develop the linguistic and intercultural knowledge, understanding and skills to communicate actively in Italian in interpersonal situations.
- Understanding Texts – Students interpret and respond to texts, applying their knowledge and understanding of language and culture.
- Producing Texts – Students create and present texts in Italian for specific audiences, purposes and contexts, incorporating their linguistic and intercultural knowledge, understanding and skills.
Continuers
The Continuers course also provides a context in which students develop their communication skills and their knowledge and understanding of language and culture.
There are three prescribed themes.
- The Individual
- The Italian-speaking community
- The Changing World.
