Languages
Moving between countries, cultures and languages has become more commonplace because of the ease of transportation, globalisation, advanced communicative technology and multiculturalism.
At Georges River College, Peakhurst Campus, the students engage with 100 hours of Japanese in Year 7, and then can elect to study Japanese in Year 8, 9 and 10. Not only can the students learn about the language, but they also receive a wider knowledge of the culture of Japan and are encouraged to draw connections with their own cultures. Whilst improving on their analytical skills, students will engage with the four macro skills, and become competent in reading, writing, listening and speaking of the Japanese language.
Staff Members
| Miss A. Harriman ( Head Teacher) |
| Mrs S. Favuzzi |
| Miss S. Mitchell |
Curriculum
The Japanese program at Georges River College is based upon the learning of language and culture as stated in the NSW Board of Studies Japanese K-10 Syllabus. It emphasises moving between cultures, making linguistic connections and using the language.
Programs
Stage 4 – Years 7 & 8
Year 7
Students begin learning the language of Japanese, along with its placement within Japanese culture. Students will begin to learn the Hiragana Script and some familiar words in Katakana and Kanji. Furthermore, students will be able to build their initial language skills, in reading, writing, listening and speaking, with the aid of the Obento Snack Pack text book series. At the end of the year, students will be able to introduce themselves, ask many questions and answer appropriately, describe features of their families and adequately understand certain aspects of Japanese culture.
Year 8
Students electing to continue their studies of Japanese will further their language skills as it is placed within the context of intercultural language learning. Students will build on their macro language skills whilst learning further language and grammar. The focus on script this year revolves around the study of Katakana. Students will be further able to describe their surroundings, and their personal worlds. With the aid of the Obento Deluxe workbooks, students will prepare for Stage 5 Japanese.
Stage 5 – Years 9 & 10
Year 9
Students electing to continue their studies in Stage 5, will begin to further their language skills at a higher order, concentrating on the specifics of learning the Japanese language. At this stage, they will be able to discuss the elements of the language and the reasons for their use. Furthermore, they will develop the skills needed to read and listen at a sophisticated level, whilst improving their productive speaking and writing skills. Students will also learn the use of Information Communication Technologies including typing in Japanese.
This year completes the stage 5 study of Japanese, and prepares the students for continuing Japanese in stage 6, during the HSC course. Students will be given ample opportunity to improve all areas of the language to the highest of their abilities. Students will be able to discuss in detail the specificities of the language, whilst maintaining an understanding of how the language is built around the culture. Students will be able to move between cultures more freely and make use of the language in all classroom interactions.
Other Faculty Initiatives
Students have the opportunity to take a trip to Shiroishi, Japan. It is organised by the Hurstville Council.We also undertake excursions visiting the Nihongo Tanken Centre at Kirrawee.Other Japanese initiatives take place when the opportunities arise.