Languages Faculty

Courses Offered
Japanese 2 Unit Beginners & Continuers
Italian 2 Unit Beginners & Continuers
French 2 U Beginners, Continuers & Extension
French & Japanese Extension
 German 2 Unit Beginners
 Spanish 2 Unit Beginners
Chinese for Beginners. Not for HSC. Taught after school


 General Comment
The ability to speak another language is a highly useful skill, especially when combined with other skills.  A language plus a business degree, for example, could prepare you for managing a multinational company. Languages are also useful for jobs in the tourism, education, foreign affairs, legal and hospitality industries.  At University the popular International Studies Course in combination with degrees such as Law or Arts require to spend a year overseas and the study of a language. Learning a language will also help you improve your English and in the words of one of our past Captains:

 "Studying another language has been a great experience. Not only you learn the language but also about the culture. Although it is challenging at times (for instance the grammar) there isn't a lesson that goes by that we don't laugh or at least smile about something."

We have the largest number of Language courses in our district and possibly in New South Wales.  Our students in Year 11 come from a wide variety of schools, both public and private, situated in an extensive geographical area between Blacktown and Springwood.  This variety means that we usually have students from a wide mix of backgrounds and abilities who form cohesive groups within which learning can be optimised. We openly value cultural and social background differences, as they are a fertile ground for encouraging tolerance and the appreciation of other cultures through language learning. 

Our students intake ranges from students in Beginners courses, who often did not have the opportunity to study a language or want to try "something different", to students in Continuers courses who studied languages in Years 9 and 10 and/or may have been on an exchange overseas or use the language at home. 

Languages have been on offer at St Marys Senior High School since its inception and enrolments have steadily increased every year.  In 1995 the Languages Faculty was established as a separate entity and it now occupies a significant place in the curriculum and plays an important role in the overall program of the school.  It is a vibrant and enthusiastic team devoted to continually improve students' welfare and success.

French Beginners 2 Unit
 "At the beginning of Yr11, I must admit I was not interested in learning a language, however, now French is my favourite subject! I have travelled to France last year and I am now hosting a French student. For me French is both a fun and rewarding experience." Belinda Yr12

What will I be doing in this course?
In the Preliminary course students will begin to develop their knowledge and understanding of French.  They will acquire knowledge of the French language as a system through the topics "My Personal World" and "French Speaking Communities" and through material listed in the general section of the syllabus.  Students will learn through the integrated use of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

In the HSC course students will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of French through the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  All topics listed in the syllabus will be studied and topics previously studied will be studied in greater depth.

What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
The course aims to develop student's:
·          ability to use French to communicate with others
·          understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which French is used
·          ability to reflect on their own culture(s) through the study of other cultures
·          understanding of language as a system
·          ability to make connections between French and other languages
·          cognitive, learning and social skills
·          potential to apply French to work, further study, training or leisure.
How will this course help me in the future?
As French is spoken in 42 countries, this course will equip students to travel in any French speaking country and will benefit all students with academic aspirations and those interested in the Hospitality, Travel, Finance and Trade Industries.

Pre-knowledge
No knowledge of French is required. Students who select this course must be beginners, that is they must not have studied French for more than 100 hours.


French Continuers 2 Unit

What will I be doing in this course?
In the Preliminary and the HSC course students will develop their knowledge and understanding of French through the study of the prescribed themes:
·  the individual
·  the French-speaking communities
·  the changing world and associated topics (see BOS syllabus page 19)

In the Preliminary course students' skills, knowledge and understanding of French will be developed through tasks associated with a range of texts and text types that reflect the themes and topics. Students will also gain an insight into the culture and the language of French speaking communities through the study of a range of texts.


In the HSC course students will gain a broader and deeper understanding of French and will extend and refine their communication skills in the language.  As they expand the range of tasks, texts and text types studied students' knowledge and understanding of French speaking communities will develop further.  Students in this course achieve a high level of fluency and proficiency.


What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
The course aims to develop students’:
·          ability to use French to communicate with others
·          understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which French is used
·          ability to reflect on their own culture(s) through the study of other cultures
·          understanding of language as a system
·          ability to make connections between French and other languages
·          cognitive, learning and social skills
·          potential to apply French to work, further study, training or leisure.

How will this course help me in the future?
As French is spoken in 42 countries, this course will equip students to travel in any French speaking country and will benefit students who are interested in entering the hospitality and travel industries, a teaching or academic career or the world of finance and trade.  Many students complete their education with an exchange to a French speaking country.

An extension course (1 unit) is available for students who perform above 75% in the continuers course.

Pre-knowledge
Candidates for this course must have studied French in Years 9 and 10 or acquired a similar level through travel or exchange. Those students who have completed French for the School Certificate must select the Continuers course.

German Beginners 2 Unit
What will I be doing in this course?
In this course, you will learn to speak, read, listen to and write German. No previous knowledge of German is required. You will participate in a variety of classroom activities including games, group work, pair work, speaking, listening reading and writing tasks. There will be many opportunities to interact with members of your class in simulations and role-plays.

What should I be able to do at the end of this course?
At the end of this course you will have sufficient knowledge of German to be able to speak with native speakers of German and travel in a German speaking country. You will be able to do things such as catch public transport, go shopping, visit a doctor, introduce yourself to people and make friends. You will also be able to continue your study of German at a tertiary level.

Special requirements for assessment.
 Your assessment will include an oral and aural component.

How will this course help me in the future?
 The ability to speak another language is a highly useful skill, especially when combined with other skills. A language plus a business degree, for example, could prepare you for managing a multinational company. Languages are also useful for jobs in the tourism, education, foreign affairs, legal and hospitality industries. Learning a language will also help you improve your English.

Spanish Beginners 2 Unit
 What will I be doing in this course?
In the Preliminary course students will begin to develop their knowledge and understanding of Spanish.  They will acquire some knowledge of the Spanish language as a system through the topics "The Personal World" and "Spanish Speaking Communities" and through material listed in the general section of the syllabus.  Students will learn through the integrated use of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

In the HSC course students will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of Spanish through the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  All topics listed in the syllabus will be studied and topics previously studied will be studied in greater depth.

What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
The course aims to develop student's:
·          ability to use Spanish to communicate with others
·          understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which Spanish is used
·          ability to reflect on their own culture(s) through the study of other cultures
·          understanding of language as a system
·          ability to make connections between Spanish and/or other languages
·          cognitive, learning and social skills
·          potential to apply Spanish to work, further study, training or leisure.

How will this course help me in the future?
A study of Spanish will provide students with communication skills that will allow them to travel in Spanish speaking countries and converse in many everyday situations.  Students will also learn to appreciate Spanish and Latin American culture and to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the third most used language in the world.

As the Spanish speaking community increases language skills will be useful in many areas of commerce, trade, banking, hospitality and travel industries, and social work.

Pre-knowledge
No knowledge of Spanish is required. Students who select this course should be beginners, that is they must not have studied Spanish for more than 100 hours.

Italian Beginners 2 Unit
What will I be doing in this course?
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of Italian across a wide range of topics that will be taught through the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

 What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
Students will acquire linguistic skills that will enable them to communicate in Italian in a simple and effective manner. Students will have a better understanding and knowledge of Italian society and culture.

Special assessment requirements in the course?
The external HSC will include a reading and writing paper and a listening and speaking examination .

 How will this course help me in the future?
Apart form the benefits of learning about and appreciating another culture, Italian is a widely spoken language in Australia. Opportunities exist in the fields of travel and tourism, hospitality, business and finance, telecommunications and other service industries in Italy and with Italian owned companies in Australia.
Pre – knowledge.
The course is designed for beginner students who have no previous knowledge in Italian, that is they must not have studied Italian for more than 100 hours.
Japanese Beginners 2 Unit
What will I be doing in this course?
In the Preliminary course students will begin to develop their knowledge and understanding of Japanese.  They will acquire some knowledge of the Japanese language as a system through the topics "My Personal World" and "Japanese Speaking Communities " and through material listed in the general section of the syllabus.  Students will learn through the integrated use of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

In the HSC course students will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of Japanese through the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  All topics listed in the syllabus will be studied and topics previously studied will be studied in greater depth.

What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
The course aims to develop student's:
·          ability to use Japanese to communicate with others
·          understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which Japanese is used
·          ability to reflect on their own culture(s) through the study of other cultures
·          understanding of language as a system
·          ability to make connections between Japanese and other languages
·          cognitive, learning and social skills
·          potential to apply Japanese to work, further study, training or leisure.

How will this course help me in the future?
As Australia develops her commercial and cultural links with Asia knowledge of Japanese is becoming extremely valuable.  There are many career opportunities available including teaching, tourism and travel, hospitality, commerce and banking, real estate and retail.

Pre-knowledge
No knowledge of Japanese is required.  Students who select this course should be beginners only, that is they must not have studied Japanese for more than 100 hours.

Japanese Continuers 2 Unit
What will I be doing in this course?
 In the Preliminary and the HSC course students will develop their knowledge and understanding of Japanese through the study of the prescribed themes:
·          the individual
·          the Japanese-speaking communities
·          the changing world and associated topics

In the Preliminary course student's skills in, and knowledge and understanding of, Japanese will be developed through tasks associated with a range of texts and text types that reflect the themes and topics. Students will also gain an insight into the culture and the language of Japanese speaking through the study of a range of texts.

In the HSC course students will gain a broader and deeper understanding of Japanese and will extend and refine their communication skills in the language.  As they expand the range of tasks, texts and text types studied students' knowledge and understanding of Japanese speaking communities will develop further.

What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
The course aims to develop student's:
·          ability to use Japanese to communicate with others
·          understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which Japanese is used
·          ability to reflect on their own culture(s) through the study of other cultures
·          understanding of language as a system
·          ability to make connections between Japanese and/or other languages
·          cognitive, learning and social skills
·          potential to apply Japanese to work, further study, training or leisure.

How will this course help me in the future?
 As Australia develops her commercial and cultural links with Asia knowledge of Japanese is becoming extremely valuable.  There are many career opportunities available including teaching, tourism and travel, hospitality, commerce and banking, real estate and retail.

An extension course (1 unit) is available for students who excel in this course.

Pre-knowledge
Candidates for this course must have prior knowledge of Japanese.  They should have basic reading and writing skills and be able to understand simple conversation.

Those students who have completed Japanese for the School Certificate must select the Continuers course.

Meet the Language Teachers

 

 

 

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Mr Gerard Garcia

Head Teacher of Languages -French Language Teacher