LanguagesLanguages have always been highly valued at St Vincent's College, not only by the school, but by students and parents. The continually growing number of students electing to study languages at the college is testament to this. We invite you to take a minute to look around the individual pages for French and German to see samples of classroom activities, student work, and links to online resources. Languages at St Vincent’s CollegeAt St Vincent's College we offer studies in French and German. In addition, students wishing to study a language not taught at the college can apply to the Open High School and, if successful, will be supervised by one of the Languages Staff. Students undertake a mandatory 100 hours of studies in languages in Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8). Year 7 students complete one semester of each language, before electing to continue with either German or French throughout Year 8. In Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) both French and German are popular elective courses. Students follow the multifaceted Katzensprung course in German, and Tapis Volant in French. Many students chose to continue their language studies during their senior years at St Vincent’s College. Both French and German are offered as preliminary and HSC courses. German Continuers Stage 6 Syllabus French Continuers Stage 6 Syllabus Teaching and learningThe teaching of languages focuses on the development of four macro skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. At St Vincent’s, we endeavour to engage students in active language learning. We seek to create a dynamic classroom environment in which all student contributions and achievements are valued and celebrated. We take a communicative approach to language learning; from the outset, girls are encouraged to use the target language in realistic spoken and written contexts – see our French and German pages for samples of student work. At St Vincent’s College we are lucky to have a multitude of language-learning resources available to staff and students. Technology is an integral part of teaching and learning at the college, and the languages classroom environment is enriched by the use of a range of digital media – examples of multimedia presentations can be found under the French and German pages. Students of languages across all years are exposed to interactive computer programs and online activities. All students of languages are encouraged and supported to reach their full potential. We endeavour to extend gifted linguists and those with significant prior knowledge of French or German by providing extension materials, including independent project-based use of technology. Students at St Vincent’s College also have the opportunity to engage in language learning across the curriculum. For example, students in Years 8 & 10 participate in "Leap into Languages" theatre workshops annually. Why study languages?While studying French or German at St Vincent’s College not only do you learn to communicate in a foreign language, but you can also learn how languages work. Learning a language opens the path towards new ways of thinking and gives you different insights into your own culture and language. By speaking French or German you may even discover new sides of your personality! At St Vincent’s College, we hope to inspire lifelong learners with a passion for languages. Many students continue their language studies beyond their school years, as many universities are offering an increasing number of courses requiring one year's overseas study in a foreign language. Language skills are a valuable asset in many career paths. You can find more information on the benefits associated with studying German or French by clicking through to the website for each language.
EventsFrance-Germany Study TourA highlight for many students is a trip to the country of their studied language. In past years, St Vincent’s College has run a biannual study tour to France and Germany, open to students in Years 9 and 10. Watch this space for news of a tour in 2009! FRENCH Why study French?French is an international language. It is spoken by sixty million people in France and there are a further 10 million speakers in Europe. French is the first language of six and a half million people in Canada and the language of government in twenty-two countries in Africa. It is an important language of communication in South Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. French is an international language. It is spoken by sixty million people in France and there are a further 10 million speakers in Europe. French is the first language of six and a half million people in Canada and the language of government in twenty-two countries in Africa. It is an important language of communication in South Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. French, as well as English, is the official working language of: The United Nations Languages at SVC – See inside a French lesson!Year 8 French are learning to talk about their extended families. Click here to see a presentation. Year 9 French students have enjoyed practicing French whilst playing Qui sera millionnaire. Year 10 French have learnt to express their plans using the futur proche. Click here for a sample. Year 11 French Continuers are enjoying expressing opinions in a foreign language. Weblinks – French online resources The internet brings authentic French to your fingertips – read the headlines in French or look up the weather in Paris! It is also a great tool for independent study. Many websites offer self-correcting interactive activities. We have used the following websites in class and encourage students to practice and explore at home: www.languagesonline.org.uk : click on Français to the left of the screen www.linguascope.com : Please contact the Languages Department at LOTE@stvincents.nsw.edu.au for login details. zut.languageskills.co.uk NB you will only be able to access this website at certain times of the day www.quia.com/shared : over 2000 exercises for French = try one a day! GERMANWhy study German?German is the most widely spoken language in Europe. It is spoken by well over 100 million people in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and areas bordering these nations. Millions of other Europeans learn German as their second language. German and English share a common ancestral language. About 35% of English words have German origins. German forms part of Australian cultural heritage having been the language of many early settlers. German speaking nations have a rich cultural heritage in art, music, literature, and theatre. Through studying the German language the rich variety of German culture becomes more accessible. Germany and Austria have contributed significantly to the western musical tradition, particularly in classical and romantic orchestral music, sacred music and opera. Germany remains at the forefront of research in physics and medicine. German has always been regarded as a language of science and technology. Knowledge of German gives a distinct advantage in careers as diverse as scientific and medical research, technological research, engineering, space science, international commerce, education, hospitality industries and diplomacy. Languages at SVC – See inside a German lesson!Year 7 and 8 German students have enjoyed activities using German popular music. Click here to see the lyrics to the song Popmusik by the German band Die Prinzen. Click here to see how Year 9 have used PowerPoint presentations to learn about the accusative case. Year 10 German have been learning to use more advanced grammatical structures when talking about their free time activities and the weather. Click here to see a presentation. Year 11 German Continuers have worked intensively on their drafting skills when producing written work in German. Weblinks – German online resourcesThe internet brings authentic German to your fingertips – read the headlines in German or look up the weather in Berlin! It is also a great tool for independent study. Many websites offer self-correcting interactive activities. We have used the following websites in class and encourage students to practice and explore at home: www.languagesonline.org.uk : click on Deutsch to the left of the screen www.linguascope.com : Please contact the Languages Department at LOTE@stvincents.nsw.edu.au for login details. zut.languageskills.co.uk : NB you will only be able to access this website at certain times of the day www.quia.com/shared : 1328 exercises for German = try one a day! |
