Japanese is commonly regarded as one of the most useful foreign languages, and with Australia forming increasingly important ties with Asia, the ability to speak Japanese can give students a distinct advantage later in life.
In the Year 9-10 elective course, students will learn Katakana and increase their knowledge of kanji. They develop their reading, writing, listening and and speaking skills in Japanese on a variety of topics, such as daily routine, transport, travel, festivals, school, food, clothing, leisure and the weather.
A highlight for our Japanese classes is attending an annual excursion to the Nihongo Tanken centre in Kirrawee, a small Japanese ‘house’ that is purpose-built for immersing students in the feel of being in Japan. Here, students play games and participate in activities conducted solely in Japanese, and in doing so, explore and experience the language, culture and food of Japan.
As the Years 11-12 Continuers Languages courses have the prerequisite of Stage 5 or equivalent study of the language, it is advantageous to study Japanese in Years 9-10 to have the opportunity to study it in Years 11-12.
