SENIOR HANDBOOK for 2012

JAPANESE
Why study Japanese?
Because of the links in tourism and commerce between Australia and Japan, there are many opportunities to
meet Japanese speaking people.
Japanese lifestyle and culture are becoming more familiar to Australians through media and personal contact.
Through studying Japanese, students are able to develop a sensitivity towards the values and perspectives of the
Japanese people.
A knowledge of Japanese is an advantage in enriching travel in Japan and in opening opportunities for working
there. Developing language skills could enhance career prospects.
Prerequisites
An attainment of a “C” standard in Year 10 Japanese is advisable. This is important as the Senior Japanese course
is a continuation of what has been learnt in Years 8, 9 and 10. Students need to have a strong commitment to
spend time studying the different aspects of the language. These include kanji, grammar and vocabulary.
Course Content
Skills developed are Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
Topics and settings relate primarily to students’ own life situation and to real-life situations likely to be
encountered in Japanese – speaking countries for example – Growing up, Leisure Pursuits, Social Life,
Health, Future Plans, Vacations and Travel.
Language functions and grammar points covered are those necessary for communication in the above
situations.
Learning experiences include a variety of activities based on audio-visual and printed resource materials as
well as resources and cultural artefacts from Japan.
Cultural insights, appreciation and tolerance should flow naturally from all of the above.
Assessment
Assessment is related specifically to communicative objectives in the four skill areas of Listening, Speaking,
Reading and Writing. The student’s Exit Level of Achievement is decided at the end of the course, using the
fullest and latest information on her overall performance, as judged by these criteria:
Comprehension of spoken material (listening comprehension)
Ability to communicate orally
Comprehension of written material (reading comprehension)
Ability to communicate in writing.
In addition to formal exams each term which are used for summative (exit) purposes, there are also formative
assessment tasks throughout the course to provide diagnostic feedback to students and their parents.
Homework
Although there are no lengthy assignments required for assessment in this subject, regular completion of
homework is vital.
Additional Information
Every two or three years a small group of students can spend two weeks in Japan in holiday time. Students can
participate in the Australian Language Certificate and the Townsville and District Japanese Speaking
Competition. There may also be an opportunity to host a Japanese student for two weeks in July / August.
St Margaret Mary’s College Senior Handbook for 2012 Page 55