Learning Framework

Languages

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Languages open the door to a wider world

We aim to educate our students to be international communicators and global thinkers. Second language learning assists in the development of critical thinking skills and fosters cultural diversity and intercultural understanding. The development of confidence and expertise in other languages is an integral tool for students, a tool which can be utilised to challenge current thinking at local and global levels, create fresh ideas and make meaningful contributions to the future.

This is why every student must study at least one foreign language until the end of Year 9 and is encouraged to continue a language through to Year 12.

Year 10

In Year 10, students are encouraged to continue their study of at least one language other than English. Five languages are offered: French, German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin) and Latin.

Exchange experiences are considered an integral part of language learning and are highly recommended in the Senior Years. As part of the Global Experience Program, Year 10 Languages students are given the opportunity to participate in a four week reciprocal language exchange program to schools in France, Germany, Japan and China. Students are also encouraged to pursue longer periods of exchange with selected external providers.

Exchange programs and the other Languages activities on offer, give students the opportunity to maximise their learning experiences, which helps prepare for them for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programs. The study of at least one foreign language is compulsory in the IB Diploma.

Higher School Certificate (HSC)

Ravenswood offers Continuers and Extension in French, German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin) and Latin in the HSC.

In Year 11, students are invited to continue their language/s from Year 10, (Continuers or Extension) or to start a new language, currently only Heritage or background Chinese.

The Languages program allow students to study in-depth, the form and substance of a language, enabling them to reach a high level of proficiency in Year 12. The language is developed to a level at which students can feel comfortable in undertaking overseas study programs in a country where that language is spoken.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Studying at least one language, in addition to mother tongue language, is compulsory in the IB Diploma, as the growing importance of multilingualism in our globalised world and the benefits for students are recognised. Students can study either Language ab initio (beginners) and/or Language B (continuers). Language B courses are offered at both Standard and Higher Levels.

In Year 11, students can choose to continue their language/s from Year 10 (Language B) or can start a new language (Language ab initio). Language ab initio is offered in Spanish and Chinese, while Language B is offered in French, German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin) and Latin.

Students whose first language is not English can continue development of both their mother tongue language and English. An option is to study Chinese A Literature and English B.

Other Opportunities

In addition to the curriculum, Ravenswood provides a range of other opportunities for students to enhance their language skills and cultural awareness including: