Japanese Continuers

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Japanese Continuers?

Students who have studied Japanese in Years 7 to 10 as a second language at school or privately and gained a sound knowledge of the language equivalent to 200 to 300 hours of study. To be eligible for a course, students must meet the eligibility criteria and complete an eligibility form. The eligibility criteria for the Continuers course are:

• Students have had no more than one year’s formal education from the first year of primary education (Year 1) in a school where the language is the medium of instruction.

• Students have had no more than three years residency in the past 10 years in a country where the language is the medium of communication. For more information, please ask the Japanese teachers.

Why study Japanese Continuers?

The study of the Japanese language is of particular importance to Australians, both culturally and economically. Japan is one of Australia’s leading trading partners and there are significant cultural ties between Australia and Japan. Japanese has been identified as one of the priority languages in the Asia-Pacific region to be taught in Australian schools.

The study of Japanese contributes to the overall education of students, particularly in the areas of communication, cross-cultural understanding, literacy and general knowledge. Students can gain access to both the language and the rich cultural traditions of Japan, as well as an understanding of different attitudes and values within the wider Australian community and beyond.

Learning Japanese may, in conjunction with other skills, provide students with enhanced vocational opportunities in areas such as banking and international finance, technology, trade, tourism and hospitality, education and research, the arts, diplomacy, government, law, media and advertising, translation and interpreting.

Course description:

The aim of the course is to foster within students the ability to:

• exchange information, opinions and experiences in Japanese (speaking)

• understand, analyse, process and respond to texts that are in Japanese (listening/reading)

• express ideas through the production of original written texts in Japanese (writing)

• understand aspects of the language and culture of Japanese-speaking communities.

Students who enjoyed the challenge of learning Japanese to the Record of School Achievement level will derive further satisfaction from developing their language skills to a higher level. Senior programs provide students with access to a wide range of texts such as:

• short stories

• newspaper articles

• reviews and magazines

• recorded conversations

• films

• emails

• letters

Study of these texts will provide students with an insight into the Japanese culture and language. The students’ skills and knowledge will be developed through tasks treating prescribed themes and topics.

Main topics covered:

These are related to the three main themes: the individual, the Japanese-speaking communities and the changing world, prescribed by the new HSC syllabus. Students will explore a variety of topics relating directly to their interests such as:

• Personal world, relationships, family, friends and home life

• Leisure, interests

• Daily life and lifestyles

• Travelling and living in Japan

• School life and future aspirations

• Traditional and contemporary culture in Japan

• Technology, youth issues and social issues

The HSC Language Examination tests students on their knowledge in those areas. It is therefore fundamental to cover topics early in Year 11. In fact, preparation for the HSC Examination in Languages takes place over two years, not just Year 12, and students are requested to keep all Year 11 material for revision in Year 12.

Our lessons are based on a communicative functional/situational approach reflecting modern language teaching/learning practices. The use of Japanese in the classroom is therefore a priority.

Learning strategies:

Students build on the basic tools for communication acquired in Years 7 to 10 through the use of known and new vocabulary, including parts of speech and grammar.

• Regular memorisation of Japanese structures and reinforcement exercises in the four skills are paramount for steady work progress to occur. Regular homework after each new unit is the best: workbook exercises, worksheets, speaking and writing tasks.

• Frequent revision and completion of shorter tasks in small spurts is recommended.

• Seek further experience in Japanese language beyond the classroom walls, such as Japanese magazines, Japanese language learning websites and Japanese films.

What opportunities does Japanese Continuers offer me?

• Hosting overseas students from our sister schools, Seirinkan High School and Doshisha Kori High School in Japan.

• Going on exchange to our sister school, Seirinkan High School and Doshisha Kori High School, Japan, in the summer holidays.

• Joining in conversation classes with a native speaker.