LOTE – Language Other Than English
Moving between countries, cultures and languages has become more commonplace because of globalisation, increased ease of travel and advanced information and communication technologies. High-quality education in languages enables students to respond positively to the opportunities and challenges of their rapidly changing world.
St Clare’s offers students both mandatory and elective study in Japanese.
The study of Japanese provides access to the language and culture of one of the global community’s most technologically advanced societies and economies. It also introduces students to an important part of the rich cultural tradition of East Asia. Through experience of the Japanese language system and cultural history, students gain valuable perspectives on art, music, customs, beliefs and the ways of thinking of Japanese people.
Stage 4 – Year 8
Students complete a mandatory 100 hours of study in Japanese. For most students, Year 8 is their introduction to the language and provides the basis for the further development of knowledge, understanding and skills in Japanese in subsequent stages.
Stage 5 – Years 9 and 10
As a two-year elective course, the basics that students learnt in Year 8 are built upon in the key areas of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The study of Japanese in Years 9 and 10 prepares students to continue their language development, if they choose, into Stage 6 by way of the elective Japanese Continuers Course.
Stage 6 – Year 11 and 12
Two courses are offered in Stage 6.
Japanese Beginners – for students who studied the mandatory course in Year 8, but did not elect to study Japanese in Year 9 and 10.
Japanese Continuers – for students who studied the elective Japanese course in Years 9 and 10.
Japanese exchange
The exchange program with Kobe Kaisei Girls High School has a long and rich tradition that spans more than 20 years. The deep relationship that has developed over these years is testament to the commitment and passionate work of many staff at St Clare’s and Kobe Kaisei. The importance and value of the exchange is supported by our communities and endorsed by every family who has involvement in the program.
The exchange alternates each year with teachers and students from Kobe travelling to St Clare’s one year and hosting St Clare’s staff and students the next.
Students participating in the exchange program are from Years 9, 10 and 11 and who are, in most cases, studying Japanese as one of their courses.
St Clare’s students have the opportunity to:
- welcome a student from Kobe Kaisei into their family
- travel to Japan and be welcomed as a brother or sister into a family
- immerse themselves in the beauty of Japanese culture
- visit sites of cultural and historical significance in Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto and Kobe
- experience daily life in Japan
- experience school life and attend lessons with their host sister.
The exchange program enables students to increase their ability to meet challenging situations, awareness of international matters and their role as global citizens. Students and staff have found the experience life changing, making lifelong friendships and joining a “new family” in Japan.