Explore New Cultures and Expand Your Horizons with French and Japanese
At Harrisdale Senior High School, we offer students the opportunity to study French and Japanese as second languages, providing them with essential skills for communication and understanding in a globalised world. Learning a second language not only opens doors to new cultures but also enhances cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and career prospects.
The Languages Curriculum for Western Australia ensures that students are exposed to at least one language subject from Pre-primary to Year 10. All students are required to study a language from Year 3 to Year 8 as part of the curriculum. While studying a language is optional in Year 9 and Year 10, students at Harrisdale Senior High School are encouraged to continue their language learning, with the option to study either French: Second Language or Japanese: Second Language leading into our ATAR Languages pathways.
Why Study a Language?
Learning a language is more than just memorising vocabulary and grammar. It’s about:
- Cultural Understanding: By studying French or Japanese, students gain insights into different cultures, customs, and ways of thinking, broadening their global perspective.
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Language learners develop strong communication skills, not only in the target language but also in their first language.
- Cognitive Benefits: Studies have shown that learning a second language improves brain function, including memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Career Opportunities: Proficiency in a second language is an asset in an increasingly global job market, opening doors to diverse career paths in business, travel, education, and diplomacy.
French: Second Language
French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, spoken in over 29 countries across several continents. Studying French provides students with access to a rich cultural heritage, including literature, art, history, and cuisine. It also opens up opportunities for travel, study, and work in French-speaking countries such as France, Canada, Belgium, and parts of Africa.
In the French program, students continue to build their understanding of language structures, both in spoken and written forms. They identify components of words, phrases, and non-verbal expressions, helping them understand how each part reinforces communication. As they expand their vocabulary, they also delve into more complex grammatical concepts, such as the use of the present tense in simple structures, and the inclusion of adverbs of time, sentence connectors, and more. Students further develop their French “metalanguage,” which allows them to discuss language patterns and grammatical rules.
Some highlights of the French program include:
- French Breakfast
- Carnival Mask Making Workshops
- Film Excursions
- Languages Week Activities
- French Film and Music Appreciation
- OzCLO Competition
- French Club
Japanese: Second Language
Japanese is a fascinating and unique language, spoken by over 120 million people in Japan and across the world. It is also the key to understanding one of the world’s most influential cultures in technology, fashion, entertainment, and business. Learning Japanese allows students to engage with Japan’s rich cultural history, from ancient traditions to modern pop culture, as well as deepen their understanding of global technological and economic trends.
In the Japanese program, students explore the structural elements of the language, from basic vocabulary to more intricate grammatical concepts. They begin to identify parts of spoken and written words and understand the role of non-verbal cues in communication. As their vocabulary grows, students develop a deeper understanding of grammar, including the use of present tense verbs and simple sentence structures. They also become familiar with the Japanese script and more advanced language features, such as particles, connectors, and verb conjugation. In building their Japanese “metalanguage,” students gain the tools to describe and understand grammatical patterns and rules.
Some of the exciting experiences in the Japanese program include:
- Sushi Master Course
- Origami Workshops
- Film Excursions
- Languages Week Activities
- Japanese Film and Music Appreciation
- OzCLO Competition
- Japanese Club
- Taiko Drumming Incursion
- Japanese School Exchange
Languages in Year 9 and Year 10
In Year 9 and Year 10, the study of a second language is optional but highly encouraged. The curriculum for both French and Japanese is designed to build upon the skills students have developed in earlier years, focusing on communication, comprehension, and cultural understanding.
Students will:
- Develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in their chosen language.
- Learn about the culture associated with the language, including traditions, customs, and social practices.
- Explore real-life situations where language skills are needed, preparing students for travel, study abroad programs, or future international careers.
The Path Forward: Senior School Language Courses
At Harrisdale Senior High School, students who choose to continue their language studies into Senior School can select ATAR in French: Second Language and Japanese Second Language. These courses provide a more advanced level of language proficiency and cultural understanding, further enriching the students' academic journey.
Year 9 and Year 10 Specialist Language Classes
In Year 9 and Year 10, students at Harrisdale Senior High School have the option to study French or Japanese for 4 hours per week. These specialist classes are designed to enhance communication, comprehension, and cultural understanding. Students will develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, while also learning about the traditions, customs, and social practices associated with their chosen language. The curriculum prepares students for real-life situations, travel, study abroad programs, and future international careers.
For those who wish to continue their language studies into Senior School, ATAR courses in French: Second Language and Japanese: Second Language are available, offering advanced language proficiency and deeper cultural insights. These programs provide unique opportunities for cultural exploration and language mastery, supporting students' academic and personal growth.
