SENIOR HANDBOOK for 2012

ITALIAN
Why study Italian?
Italian is a valuable language for Australians to learn. It is a language of our community, second only to English
so learners of Italian do not have to go overseas to hear or speak the language. Italy is one of the leading
industrial powers in the world. Australia’s trade links with Italy mean that ability with the language is a practical
business tool. Many of Australia’s elite sports people compete and travel in Italy.
Benefits can be:
Learning to speak a language is increasingly important for effective participation in a globalised world. In
recognition of this, many Australian universities have introduced incentive schemes and bonus points
systems for students who have completed a language through to Year 12. Both UQ and Griffith University
offer bonus points to LOTE learners.
Students interested in becoming teachers would be well placed to include Italian as one of their skills as
Italian Language teachers are in short supply.
A good knowledge of Italian is advantageous in the public service, social welfare organisations, education,
business, industry, tourism, foreign affairs and journalism.
Learning Italian can enrich one’s educational, intellectual, personal, social and cultural development.
Prerequisites
Students should have a “C” result or better in Year 10 Italian.
Course Content
Working with a variety of resources and the Internet and using a communicative approach, students will be
introduced to new language functions through the themes of Family and Community, Leisure, Recreation and
Human Creativity, School and Post-School Options and Social Issues.
Assessment
The skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking will be assessed through oral and written exams each term.
Homework
It is vital for students to be learning and revising vocabulary and language structures consistently. It is important
that students allow time for this purpose every day in addition to other set homework tasks.
Additional Information
Every three to four years students will have the opportunity to participate in a three week trip to Italy. There is
also the possibility available for our students to go to Italy as exchange students and to meet and mix with Italian
students who are hosted by our school.
The annual Italian Speech Competition provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their language
skills. Students can also participate in the Australian Language Certificate each year.
Year 12 students of Italian are eligible to apply for the annual StuditaliA prize, a scholarship to Italy sponsored by
the Department of Education and the Arts and the Italian Consulate in Brisbane. This prize includes a return
airfare from Australia to Italy and a one month home stay and study program in Italy at the completion of Year
12.
There is also an exchange opportunity open to Year 11 students. This exchange involves a ten week visit to an
Italian speaking region of Switzerland.
St Margaret Mary’s College Senior Handbook for 2012 Page 54