Languages

Languages (LOTE)

Learning languages opens minds to difference where diversity is seen as a regular part of society. Proficiency in languages provides a resource that encourages more effective engagement with the global community. The study of Languages strengthens essential foundational skills for literacy. It also fosters intellectual and emotional development, and cultural understanding.

Through learning languages, students reflect on their own heritage, culture and identity. They also reflect on the culture, beliefs and values of others through language learning.

The rich linguistic and cultural diversity of New South Wales provides an educational environment where the study of languages and cultures is valued as a unique and integral part of the curriculum.

Our vision, as Department employees, is to give our students the best possible public education in Languages. We aim to be role models of collaborative learning, engaging students and inspiring them to acknowledge, accept and be willing to learn to understand other cultures. We are accepting and supportive of school policy and will work towards a solution where it conflicts with our personal beliefs.

Languages offered

These are the following languages we offer in Languages Faculty and our language teachers:

• Chinese 
• Korean
• Japanese
• Italian

Chinese:

Chinese is an important language for young learners in Australia, as Australia progresses towards a future of increased trade, investment, educational exchange, research and development in science and technology, and engagement with Asia. Students develop an appreciation for the place of Australia within the Asia region, including the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

The study of Chinese enables students to communicate with others in Chinese, and to reflect on and understand the nature and role of language and culture in their own lives and the lives of others.

Chinese Eisteddfod

The National Chinese Eisteddfod, a day where different schools compete against each other, participating in groups or as an individual, to recite a Chinese poem before an audience and judges. Schools and individuals are judged on their pronunciation, how well they say the poem together and their emotion while saying the poem. Strathfield Girls High School has a long history of winning this fierce competition in different categories.

China Cultural Tour 2019

Students from years 7 to 9 went to one of the biggest countries in the world to experience the vibrant culture of China. They travelled through four cities Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and Chongqing. Over the 12 days, the students got to experience the best of what China has to offer from the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, great pandas, heritage rock carvings, and the food tasting. Many great friendships were formed and even more amazing memories were made.

Sydney Chinese Spectacular

The Sydney Chinese Spectacular is an event which has become a highlight of the yearly calendar. Students studying Chinese had the privilege of performing in the senior schools choir

Korean:

The ability to communicate in Korean provides incentives for travel and for more meaningful interactions with speakers of Korean, encouraging socio-cultural understanding between Australia and Korea, and cohesion within the Australian community. It also provides opportunities for students to gain insights into the contributions that have been made by Korean-speaking communities to Australian society and to the global community For background speakers, this valuable learning experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to maintain and develop their Korean language skills and understanding of their cultural heritage.

Year 7 Langauges Day

Students are able to participate in various activities relating to different cultures on the Year 7 Languages Day. Activities include a French mime, eating freshly made annoli and Japanese Bento Boxes, watching an Italian movie, enjoying a Chinese traditional dance and hapkido performance.

French:

French is an Indo-European language and belongs to the family of Romance languages derived from Latin. French and English share a common linguistic link with Latin. Through the study of French, students experience and engage with elements of modern France and francophone countries, including art, cuisine, literature, film and music of French-speaking communities. Students develop an appreciation of the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

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. Students engage with elements of modern Japan, including popular culture such as anime, manga, music and fashion, as well as with the rich cultural tradition of this part of Asia. Students develop an appreciation for the place of Australia within the Asia region, including the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

Chikushi Visit

Every year, Strathfield Girls’ Japanese sister school, Chikushi, would come to Australia on their annual school trip. Together, the girls would participate in many cross cultural communications to strengthen the bond between the schools.

Year 10 Japanese Cultural excursion

Year 10 students enjoyed a cultural excursion to the city where they visited various Japanese related places such as The Japan Foundation, Daruma Japanese Restaurant, Uniqlo, Muji and Kinokuniya Bookstore. 

Italian:

Italian belongs to the Romance family of languages, which includes Catalan, French, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish. Italian and English have a common linguistic link with Latin, sharing many Latin-derived words and using the same Roman alphabet. The Italian language is widely spoken in Australia and there are opportunities to hear and use the language in authentic situations. Through the study of Italian, students develop an appreciation of the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

Italian Cultural Activities

Students of Strathfield Girls High School engages in a fun way to learn about a culture. This includes making pizza, creating beautiful collages through immersing themselves in Gallic, making ricotta cannoli and many more!