1. Objectives of the course
The main objective is that learners should be able to communicate in Japanese, with proficiency in the 4 Macroskills – Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Students will also develop an increased awareness of Japanese culture which will enable them to gain insights to equip them to adapt to the changing patterns of life in Australia and the world. Combined with skills in other areas, knowledge of a second language and close understanding of another culture is a powerful tool for life.
2. Content
The language is studied with equal emphasis on the four Macroskills - Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. In each Semester, language study will focus on particular topics, revisiting some and covering these in much greater depth.
SEMESTER 1/TERM 1
UNIT: Student Exchanges
This unit aims to extend students’ ability to introduce themselves and discuss their families and family life. Emphasis is also placed on differences between school life in Japan and Australia.
SEMESTER 1/TERM 2
UNIT: Celebrations and Gift Giving
Class work will focus on Japanese celebrations and their associated customs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the exchange of gifts, which is a very important and common element of Japanese culture.
SEMESTER 2/TERM3
UNIT: Interests and Hobbies, Entertainment and Sports
Combined these units focus on what students do in their free time. Through the study of these units students will gain an appreciation for traditional forms of Japanese entertainment, sports and leisure activities.
SEMESTER 2/TERM4
UNIT: Environment
During the course of this unit students will develop ability to express their concerns about current environmental issues throughout the world.
SEMESTER 3/TERM1
UNIT: Travel
This unit expands students’ knowledge of travel in and around Japan, from a foreigner’s perspective.
SEMESTER 3/TERM2
UNIT: Tourism and Hospitality and Adolescence
The unit on Tourism and hospitality equips students with useful language for various situations in the tourism and hospitality industries.
The focus of the Adolescence unit is on adolescent responsibilities, particularly driving.
SEMESTER 4/TERM 3
UNIT: Festivals, Celebrations and Future Plans
During these units students look at end of school year celebrations and associated parties. Students will also think and discuss their future pathway as high school graduates.
SEMESTER 4/TERM 4
UNIT: World Peace and Aid and Employment
Class work will focus on the movement into the adult world and its associated activities and responsibilities, such as volunteer services and employment opportunities.
3. Workload
Japanese is a Board subject (OP eligible) and is a two year course of study. Students will be expected to study at least 20 minutes per night in this subject. They will also be encouraged to constantly revise their work. At the end of Year 12 they will have a working knowledge of Hiragana, Katakana and at least 200 Kanji.
4. Assessment
A variety of test instruments will be used to assess the four Macro skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing). Each macro skill will be assessed at least once per semester by examination. Students will be required to adapt their language to a variety of genres as their competence develops. Greatest weighting will be given to the final semester results where students are expected to demonstrate the most up to date accumulation of their Japanese language skills. Students will be assessed in accordance with the minimum standards for macroskills at exit, as per the current syllabus. There is no assignment work.
5. Pre-Requisites
Students taking Japanese in Year 11 would be well advised to have a thorough working knowledge of hiragana and katakana, and at least 50 kanji, and to have gained at least a “C” standard in Year 10 Japanese.
6. Relevance to Work, Personal Development, Further Study
The Federal Government has nominated the acquisition of foreign language skills as one of the most deficient areas within our Australian Education System. Therefore, competence in Japanese has numerous outlets both in the workforce and in post secondary studies. In addition to the immediate and practical applications of the subject, learning a LOTE contributes to and enriches the educational, intellectual, personal, social and cultural development of learners, and has the potential to improve the quality of their participation in a rapidly changing world.
7. Student Exchange Program
There are opportunities to host visiting students from our Sister School/ Friendship City in Japan. In addition, a visit to Japan is offered every two years. Aldridge has developed a close sister-school relationship with Kasukabe Junior High in Saitama Prefecture. Students will have the opportunity to visit this school and have a real life experience in Japan. These exchanges provide students with a great chance to make friends, practise their Japanese skills and gain an insight into the rich and fascinating Japanese culture.