Languages

In the Languages department students have the opportunity to:

•       EXPERIENCE NEW WORLDS AND CULTURES

•       IMPROVE THEIR LITERACY SKILLS

•       IMPROVE THEIR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

•       DISCOVER ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

•       INTERGRATE INTO THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY

The study of Languages contributes to the overall education of students, most particularly in the area of communication, but also in the areas of cross-cultural understanding, cognitive development, literacy and general knowledge. It provides access to the culture of communities which use the language and promotes understanding of different attitudes and values within the wider Australia community and beyond.

ITALIAN
Italian is the language spoken in Italy and it is one of the six official languages of the European Union. Extensive migration from Italy during the last one hundred and fifty years has resulted in Italian being spoken in many other countries by people of Italian background: in Europe, in North and South America and Australia. It is the second most widely spoken language in Australia.

Italians and the Italian language make a distinctive contribution to politics, art, architecture, music, science, literature, film and theatre.  All students of Italian have much to gain by acquiring a knowledge of the language and cultural heritage of Italy.  At the same time students of Italian origin need the opportunity to learn the language and deepen their understanding of the traditions and culture of the country of their family members.

Australian students of Italian background, as well as their non-Italian background peers, will be studying Italian as a second language in the new millennium. Students will have access to the language and culture in the wider community through the school, local events, radio, television, the internet and films.

Italy is one of the most industrially and economically advanced nations of the world and ranks amongst Australia’s top international trading partners in a mutually supportive trade relationship. People with a good knowledge of Italian are needed to provide support for the significant commercial links that exist between Australia and Italy. Italy remains a strong buyer for primary products, namely wool, while Australia has been a consistent buyer of Italian technology and design. A significant number of Italian companies currently have branches in Australia, which provide employment opportunities for Australians.  Competent speakers are also increasingly needed in the areas of tourism and social services, including hospitals, banks and public agencies in general.

INDONESIAN
The study of Indonesian develops students’ ability to understand and use the language of a country which is one of Australia’s closest neighbours and is one of the most populated countries in the world. Links between Australia and Indonesia have been strengthened in recent decades, in particular, in areas such as business, tourism and education. The study of Indonesian promotes the strengthening of these links.

The study of Indonesian also has a broader application in that it is closely related to Malay and is understood in Malaysia and by Malay-speaking inhabitants of Singapore and Brunei.

Students may wish to study Indonesian as an academic subject for educational purposes or link this study to other areas of interest. Significant numbers of tertiary institutions provide numerous pathways for further study of Indonesian and Indonesian studies.

Both Italian and Indonesian are offered to VCE level. The Languages curriculum also offers the students the opportunity to attend:

• ITALIAN AND INDONESIAN LANGUAGE IMMERSION CAMPS

• CULTURAL DAYS AT SCHOOL

• EXCURSION TO THE OPERA

• CULTURAL INCURSIONS/EXCURSION/WORKSHOPS

• OVERSEAS TRIPS

• STUDENTS EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

• SOME IMMERSION (CLIL) CLASSES