Japanese Language Learning
こんにちは。KONNICHI WA! Hello!
Japanese has a long history at St Joseph's – it has been part of our curriculum since 1993! In the early years, our SENSEIs – that's Japanese teachers - have roamed from classroom to classroom to give Japanese lessons, initially to just Years 6 and 7.
Now, we are blessed with a dedicated Japanese Language space, and the Japanese Program is presented to all students from Prep to Year 6. It is one part of a comprehensive Specialist Teaching Program, which also includes Art, Music and Physical Education. Every student visits the Specialist Learning Areas every week.
We value language learning at St Joseph's. The benefits of Language learning for the individual student are significant. Language learning is known to:
- strengthen intellectual and analytical capability and enhance creative and critical thinking;
- develop new areas of the brain and strengthen the brain's natural ability to focus, entertain multiple possibilities and process information;
- develop intercultural capability, an understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and an openness to different perspectives and experiences; and
- extend the learner's understanding of themselves, their own heritage, values, culture and identity.
(ACARA, 2011)
To achieve the above goals, the Japanese Program at St Joseph's follows the Australian Curriculum Guidelines (Version 9.0) and is designed to challenge the students to speak, hear, write and read authentic Japanese, and to encourage an understanding of the culture that underpins the language.
Resources utilised in the classroom include recordings of native voice to model speaking and enhance listening opportunities, authentic brush writing opportunities and access to digital resources such as iPad apps and authentic reading materials to encourage a comprehensive understanding of the various writing scripts, and age-appropriate online cultural content together with trending video and music content to immerse the students in all things cultural – traditional and modern. Students conduct these various activities, which include language role plays and cultural immersion activities, in a classroom that is filled with all manner of Japanese resources, cultural displays and examples of student work.
日本語 が だいすき！NIHONGO GA DAISUKI! We love Japanese.
