About this Learning Area
Learning Area Leader: Keryn Allan
At King’s Baptist Grammar School, there are two languages offered for study: German and Japanese. Students must have achieved a C grade or higher in Stage 1 in order to study their chosen language in Stage 2. The Continuers Level language courses are designed for students who have studied the language for 400 to 500 hours by the time they have completed Stage 2, or who have an equivalent level of knowledge.
The Beginners Level languages courses are designed for students who have not studied the language beyond the equivalent of Year 8 and have not studied the language in the previous two calendar years. It is intended that students will study the language for two consecutive years (Stage 1 and Stage 2). Students will have studied the language for 200 to 240 hours by the end of Stage 2. Therefore, students develop their language skills and intercultural understanding at an intensive rate.
Through learning languages, students acquire communication skills in the language being learnt and an understanding of the role of language and culture in communication. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, to reflect on their understanding of experience in various aspects of social life, and on their own participation and ways of being in the world. It also broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world presents.
There are a number of exchange opportunities available for languages students. Every year, Year 10 German students have the opportunity to apply to participate in the SA German Bavarian Exchange during Year 11 for eight weeks. Alternatively, King’s has sister schools in Dietrich-Bonhoesffer-Gymnasium in Bergisch Gladbach and in Sonobe, Japan (near Kyoto) as well as a friendship school in Himeji, Japan. Exchange trips usually run every two years for around three weeks for Year 10/11 students.
Pathways
