Japanese Continuers

Course Description:

The study of Japanese language is of particular importance to Australians, both culturally and economically. Japan is Australia's leading trading partner and there are significant cultural ties between Australia and Japan. Japanese has been identified as one of the priority languages in the Asia-Pacific region to be taught in Australian schools.

The study of Japanese contributes to the overall education of students, particularly in the areas of communication, cross-cultural understanding, literacy and general knowledge. Students can gain access to both the language and the rich cultural traditions of Japan, as well as an understanding of different attitudes and values within the wider Australian community and beyond.

The Japanese Continuers course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in the School Certificate course. The course maintains a practical, communicative approach to language learning and aims to develop students cognitive, learning and social skills.

The aims of the course are to develop students:

• ability to use Japanese to communicate with others
• understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which Japanese is used
• ability to reflect on their own culture(s) through the study of other cultures
• understanding of language as a system
• ability to make connections between Japanese and English, and/or other languages
• cognitive, learning and social skills
• potential to apply Japanese to work, further study, training or leisure.

Main Topics Covered

Preliminary Course                                                         HSC Course

The Individual                                       The Japanese-speaking Communities

• Personal World                                   • Travelling and Living in Japan

• Myself, Family and Friends                   • Leisure and Holidays

• Daily Routine                                      • Traditions and Culture

• Home and Neighbourhood                    • Eating Out

• School Life

The World of Work

• Casual Work

• Careers Using Japanese

• Current Issues

Assessment Information:

In class assessment tasks and examinations covering the four skills –

Preliminary Course                                                                         HSC Course

Speaking   20%    Listening & responding   30%                     Speaking   20%   Listening & responding  25% 

Writing      10%    Reading & responding    40%                      Writing     15%    Reading & responding   40%

Details are in the school assessment booklet. There are no assignments or projects to submit.

If you require more information please contact:

Mrs Faye Roberts
Japanese Teacher