LANGUAGES

CHOOSING A LANGUAGE IN YEARS 9, 10 AND FOR VCE

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” – Frank Smith

The season for subject choices is nearly here. The languages team would like to remind you of the benefits and joys of learning another language with the following article.

If you have any questions about elective choices, please feel free to contact your child’s language teacher. We also have two Student Managers who are language teachers - Ana Gomez (Year 8) and Melinda Howard (Year 9) who will be able to help. I will be on leave at the start of term 3 for 3 weeks, so I won’t be able to reply to you until I return. 

We are excited to welcome more students to our fantastic language programs from Year 9 onwards.

Jenny Lynd

Languages KLA Manager

BENEFITS OF LEARNING A LANGUAGE: (WA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION)

Enhances literacy skills: Children develop a better understanding of English when they study a new language. They become more aware of grammar, conjugation and sentence structures. This helps them understand how English works, enhances their comprehension and accelerates their ability to read and write. 

Improves memory and brain function: Learning a language strengthens the area of the brain which is responsible for memory, speech and sensory perception. Bilingual people are better at retaining lists, sequences, names and directions. They are also more creative, perceptive and can concentrate for longer.

Helps develop critical thinking and problem solving skills: Learning a language enables children to analyse information and solve problems better as they can select relevant information and ignore irrelevant or misleading information. They become more rational and objective decision makers.

Fosters respect and understanding of other cultures: Learning a new language nurtures curiosity and openness in children. They become aware of new cultures and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of other people and customs that are different to their own. As they develop their language fluency, they increase their ability to communicate across cultures and interact positively with people from other countries.

Improves overall performance at school: Studies show that bilingual and multilingual children outperform other children who speak only one language. Academic results indicate this is especially true in reading, vocabulary and maths. 

Creates employment and career opportunities: More and more companies are seeking staff who can speak more than one language. Bilingual staff are valued for their ability to communicate in the languages of their business partners and to cross important cultural barriers. 

Enhances travel experiences: A person who is able to speak the language of the country they are visiting has more opportunities to enjoy the local culture. They are able to interact more with locals, interpret written information and travel with ease.

 NEW CALEDONIA VISITORS AT THE END OF TERM 3

Thank you to the McKinnon family! We have enough host families for our visitors - just! If you are still interested, please let me know, because it is helpful to have some extras in case anything happens in the meantime.

I will be on leave for the first 3 weeks of term 3, so if you don’t contact me before the end of term 2, I will not get back to you until my return. If you have urgent questions, you can contact jmkaaden@hotmail.com (one of the New Caledonian teachers), or Monsieur Chamontin (chc@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au )

Jenny Lynd

Languages KLA Manager

BERTHE MOUCHETTE COMPETITION

On Monday 29 May, a group of French students from Years 7 to 10 competed in the annual Berthe Mouchette poetry recital competition run by the Alliance Francaise. Since 2020, entrants have had their efforts recorded and sent to the Alliance. This year, they performed live over Zoom to a French judge from the Alliance. We congratulate them all for their effort in memorising and practising their poems. 

A special thanks to Madame Welton, who came as a volunteer to practise with our Year 9 students at East Campus. This is the second year that she has helped out in this way and we are very appreciative of her support for our programme.

How did it feel to participate? Here is one student’s response:

‘I felt exhilarated. As soon as I left the room after reciting the poem, I felt proud of myself. The poem itself was a huge challenge, but I pushed myself to do it to the best of my ability. My French teacher, Mrs Dickson, helped me a great deal. She stayed back at lunchtimes to assist me in the areas of pronunciation, and how to memorise it.’ Stella Thakrar (Year 7)

Written by: Daniela Tapia Leal & Michael Scriva

Year 9 Students

YEAR 9 FRENCH AND GERMAN STUDENTS - HARD AT WORK PREPARING FOR THE EXPO ON TUESDAY 13 JUNE

Jenny Lynd

Languages KLA Manager