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.
Learning a language is more than just memorising vocabulary and grammar. It’s about:
Students develop an understanding of cultures, customs, and ways of thinking, broadening their global perspective.
Language learners develop strong communication skills, not only in the target language but also in their first language.
Studies have shown that learning a second language improves brain function, including memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
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 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.
Japanese is one of the most studied languages in the world, offering access to a unique and influential culture. Studying Japanese allows students to engage deeply with Japan’s rich cultural heritage, including its literature, cinema, art, history, and cuisine. It also creates opportunities for travel, study, and work in Japan, a country known for its innovation, tradition, and global influence.
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:
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:
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.
Choosing to study Languages at Harrisdale Senior High School means becoming part of a community of curious, globally minded, and engaged learners. Our Languages programs help students connect with different cultures and perspectives while developing essential communication, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding skills that support future study and career opportunities.
For more information about our Language courses and curriculum, please contact the Languages Learning Area
We look forward to supporting your learning journey.
Choosing to study Languages at Harrisdale Senior High School means becoming part of a community of curious, globally minded, and engaged learners. Our Languages programs help students connect with different cultures and perspectives while developing essential communication, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding skills that support future study and career opportunities.
For more information about our Language courses and curriculum, please contact the Languages Learning Area
We look forward to supporting your learning journey.
