Year 9 Japanese course overview

UNIT:
JAP091
NAME: Go Go NihonGo!
LENGTH:
ONE SEMESTER
CORE LEARNINGS:
This unit provides student with a wide range of relevant and interesting learning experiences which will
develop the student’s knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. Themes are planned to enhance
student’s prior knowledge and current interests. The unit is designed so that students will strive to
become highly competent in the reading, writing, speaking and listening areas of the Japanese language.
This unit is influenced by the core objectives as stated in the Essential Learnings and Standards
documents (Beginner and Elementary stages).
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The course which is offered in Semester 1 is different to the course offered in Semester 2.
Possible topics which may be covered in the Semester 1 course include:
School Life - become involved in making a film about Aldridge SHS for our Sister School in this unit
which explores the similarities and differences between Australian and Japanese schools
I Love Sports! - discover Japanese sports, such as sumo, kendo and karate, plus examine contemporary
sports like baseball and soccer
Yummy, Yummy! learn about traditional and modern Japanese cooking – do some taste testing!
My Home & Family - discuss your family and home and design your ultimate Dream Home!
ASSESSMENT:
The four macro skills listening, speaking, reading and writing are assessed in a variety of interesting and
realistic assignments designed to enhance student’s prior knowledge and current interests. In class
participation and performance plus exams are also used for assessing students. In addition, completion of
regular homework is an important aid to success in Japanese.
ACTIVITIES:
PRE-REQUISITES:
A variety of language and cultural activities will Japanese in Semester 1 Year 9 is open to all students
be undertaken, determined by students needs,
who have previously studied the language. Generally
interests and abilities, including:
students will have studied Japanese in Year 8. Students
will also be accepted if they can demonstrate an
 Various script learning games, such as
aptitude for languages.
Hiragana Snap, Memory, Hiragana
Whispers, etc.
 Presenting a report on your favourite
sportsperson and/or school life in
Australia (to be compiled into a film)
 Japanese cooking
WORKLOAD:
 Various conversations, surveys, reading
Occasional homework will be given and students
and writing tasks
should frequently revise their Japanese skills. When
 Comparing and contrasting Australian
students have assignments it is expected that they are
and Japanese schools and housing
working on them at home to meet the due date.
 Origami, Calligraphy, Songs
 Pair and Group Work
FUTURE OPTIONS:
The study of Japanese helps prepare students for careers in science and technology, the diplomatic corps,
teaching, interpreting, the travel industry, trade, design and fashion, migrant counselling, the business
world, the defence forces, Australian Customs, journalism and many other occupations. Speaking a
second language is a skill which is recognised as being crucial to the development of Australia’s future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
There are opportunities to host visiting students from our Sister School/Friendship City in Japan. In
addition, a visit to Japan is offered every two years. Aldridge has developed a close sister-school
relationship with Kasukabe Junior High in Saitama Prefecture. Students will have the opportunity to visit
this school and have a real life experience in Japan. These exchanges provide students with a great chance
to make friends, practise their Japanese skills and gain an insight into the rich and fascinating Japanese
culture.
UNIT:
JAP092
NAME: Waku Waku Nihongo! LENGTH:
ONE SEMESTER
CORE LEARNINGS:
This unit provides student with a wide range of relevant and interesting learning experiences which will
develop the student’s knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. Themes are planned to enhance
student’s prior knowledge and current interests. The unit is designed so that students will strive to
become highly competent in the reading, writing, speaking and listening areas of the Japanese language.
This unit is influenced by the core objectives as stated in the Essential Learnings and Standards
documents (Beginner, Elementary and Lower Intermediate stages).
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The course which is offered in Semester 2 is different to the course offered in Semester 1.
Possible topics which may be covered in the Semester 2 course include:
A Typical Day - make a children’s story book about a typical day in the life of a character!
What do I have to wear? - a unit which explores clothing and fashion. Invent your own far out
fashions!
All I want for Christmas - learn about the importance of gift giving in Japan
ASSESSMENT:
The four macro skills listening, speaking, reading and writing are assessed in a variety of interesting and
realistic assignments designed to enhance student’s prior knowledge and current interests. In class
participation and performance plus exams are also used for assessing students. In addition, completion of
regular homework is an important aid to success in Japanese.
ACTIVITIES:
A variety of language and cultural activities will
be undertaken, determined by students needs,
interests and abilities, including:
 Various script learning games, such as
Hiragana Snap, Memory, Hiragana
Whispers, etc.
 Various conversations, surveys, reading
and writing tasks
 Examine current Japanese fashion and
look at clothing from the past
 Keeping a journal
 Making a storybook for a child
 Pair and Group Work
 Origami, Calligraphy, Songs
PRE-REQUISITES:
Japanese in Semester 2 Year 9 is open to all students
who have previously studied the language. Students
will also be accepted if they can demonstrate an
aptitude for languages. Students who have studied
Japanese in Semester 1 Year 9 also experience greater
success when studying this Semester 2 option.
WORKLOAD:
Occasional homework will be given and students
should frequently revise their Japanese skills. When
students have assignments it is expected that they are
working on them at home to meet the due date.
FUTURE OPTIONS:
The study of Japanese helps prepare students for careers in science and technology, the diplomatic corps,
teaching, interpreting, the travel industry, trade, design and fashion, migrant counselling, the business
world, the defence forces, Australian Customs, journalism and many other occupations. Speaking a
second language is a skill which is recognised as being crucial to the development of Australia’s future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
There are opportunities to host visiting students from our Sister School/Friendship City in Japan. In
addition, a visit to Japan is offered every two years. Aldridge has developed a close sister-school
relationship with Kasukabe Junior High in Saitama Prefecture. Students will have the opportunity to visit
this school and have a real life experience in Japan. These exchanges provide students with a great chance
to make friends, practise their Japanese skills and gain an insight into the rich and fascinating Japanese
culture.