Japanese Continuers 2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC NESA Developed Course
What background knowledge do I need to study Japanese Continuers? Students who have studied Japanese in Years 7 to 10 as a second language at school or privately and gained a sound knowledge of the language equivalent to 200 to 300 hours of study. For more information, please ask the Japanese teachers.
Why study Japanese Continuers? The study of the Japanese language is of particular importance to Australians, both culturally and economically. Japan is one of Australia’s leading trading partners 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. Learning Japanese may, in conjunction with other skills, provide students with enhanced vocational opportunities in areas such as banking and international finance, technology, trade, tourism and hospitality, education and research, the arts, diplomacy, government, law, media and advertising, translation and interpreting.
Course description: The aim of the course is to foster within students the ability to: •
exchange information, opinions and experiences in Japanese (speaking)
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understand, analyse, process and respond to texts that are in Japanese (listening/reading)
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express ideas through the production of original written texts in Japanese (writing)
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understand aspects of the language and culture of Japanese-speaking communities.
Students who enjoyed the challenge of learning Japanese to the Record of School Achievement level will derive further satisfaction from developing their language skills to a higher level. Senior programs provide students with access to a wide range of texts such as: •
short stories
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newspaper articles
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reviews and magazines
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recorded conversations
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films
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emails
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letters
Study of these texts will provide students with an insight into the Japanese culture and language. The students’ skills and knowledge will be developed through tasks treating prescribed themes and topics. 104
Subject Choice for the Higher School Certificate
