2024 has been an interesting year for the Modern Languages Faculty. A change of syllabus led to a change in programs and assessments, breathing some fresh air into the way language learning happens at the College. All Language students participated in an excursion this year. In French, Year 8 students enjoyed cooking crepes as an incursion, Year 9 visited Alliance Francaise in the city and Year 10 watched a French movie as part of the French Film Festival of Sydney. In Japanese, Year 8 students enjoyed a Japanese-style Taiku no Hi or ‘Sports Festival Day’, Year 9 visited the Nihongo Tanken Centre, communicating fully in Japanese for the day, and Year 10 participated in a calligraphy workshop at the Japan Foundation.
All students completed an Interacting Assessment task in Term 3, whereby each language student participated in a conversation with their teacher, in the target language. Covering grammar learned throughout the year, students were asked several questions in the target language and students were required to answer with appropriate language, correct pronunciation and smooth fluency. The preparation for this task was excellent and the results achieved overwhelmingly demonstrated an exceptional understanding of course content.
Some French students had the opportunity to attend the Europe Tour during the April school holidays. The French skills students had been honing for the previous 2 years shone as orders were placed in restaurants, souvenirs were purchased and directions were asked for. Visiting iconic French locations, tasting French cuisine and learning more about French culture and people, were definite highlights.
Preparation is well underway for the Japan Tour 2025. Students studying Japanese were invited to participate in this wonderful experience, and 25 students have committed to the trip. This will be the 8th tour of Japan the College has run and is shaping up to be one of the best.
Mrs Fiona Byrne
Languages Coordinator & Year 8 Advisor
