Year 8 Stage 4: Students elect to study French or Italian

Year 9 & 10 Stage 5: French and Italian elective

Year 11 & 12 Stage 6: French Beginners; French Continuers; French Extension

Year 11 & 12 Stage 6: Italian Beginners; Italian Continuers

Teaching and Learning

The 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.

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. Students of languages across all years are exposed to interactive computer programs and online activities, developing a variety of authentic learning strategies and using the language in realistic scenarios.

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 the languages offered 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 and becoming “leaders” in Languages. For example, students in years 9 to 11 have the opportunity to become Language Ambassadors, and promote the importance of multi-lingualism as global citizens.

Why study languages?

While studying French or Italian 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 another language 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.

Language Study Tours

At the College, we offer Study Tours to France and Italy to provide our language students with the opportunity to be immersed in the language and culture and to study the language, history and art in a real life context. It also allows students to embrace the diversity of the contemporary world. This opportunity is available to language students from Year 9 through to Year 12.