Junior School – Languages
Governor Stirling Senior High School
Two languages are offered at our school, Indonesian and Italian which are mandatory from Year 7 to Year 9 with optional studies in Year 10 and ATAR subjects offered in Year 11 to 12.
Learning a language at Governor Stirling is not just about giving students the opportunity to communicate in a foreign language, it also plays an integral part in improving student’s literacy skills. Through learning a language students are able to become more aware of their own language structure. Studies are showing that students learning a second language are also improving and developing skills in their first language. In actual fact learning a foreign language draws your focus to the mechanics of language: grammar, conjugations, and sentence structure. This makes you more aware of language, and the ways it can be structured and manipulated. Language speakers also develop a better ear for listening, since they’re skilled at distinguishing meaning from discreet sounds. So academically, your child learns about how languages work and their literacy skills are enhanced because a clear link exists between learning another language and literacy development in English.
Benefits
- Your child develops an understanding and respect for other cultures, people, their ideas and ways of thinking. Thus, enriching your child’s global connections.
- Excursions, competitions and activities to challenge and engage students in an academic context.
- Extra University credits (10% more) to any student whom successfully completes a Year 12 foreign language ATAR subject.
Learning a new language is a commitment. Knowledge and skills are built up over time and the more time your child spends using the language, the better they will be at it. So, we strongly encourage your child to continue learning a language until at least Year 10. The school is also able to offer year 10 students the experience of hosting a foreign student as well as being part of an exchange program.
Please contact the language department if you need more information.
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