OVERVIEW

Learning a second language offers a range of benefits to the learner, benefits which may be intellectual, social, cultural, even economic. Learning a second language is seen in this school as an important part of the broad curriculum that is offered to the school community.

By offering a variety of second languages for instruction, the school attempts to meet the aspirations of its community and to develop tangible links with the cultures that support those languages.

COURSES

Year 9: All students must choose a term semester course in either French, Te Reo Māori or Japanese.

Year 10: Students choose a one year course in either French, Te Reo Māori or Japanese.

Satisfactory achievement allows entry into NCEA level 1 at Year 11. Currently our resources allow for classroom tuition at levels 2 and 3 in Te Reo Māori only. Students wishing to continue French or Japanese are enrolled in Correspondence School courses.

For individual students who meet the criteria, the school can facilitate the learning of Spanish, German, Chinese or Latin through the Correspondence School.

WHY STUDY LANGUAGES?

For students, learning a second language provides opportunities:

• to enhance their intellectual potential by communicating in a different language
• to widen their understanding of their first language and culture 
• to expand their knowledge of other cultures 
• to develop insights into the way different societies view and resolve issues common to the human experience 
• to provide for a wider range of vocational prospects.

The experience of learning a second language is an obvious way for individuals to explore the value systems and viewpoints of another culture, and, at the same time, to gain further understanding of their own.

Knowledge and understanding can lead to a greater acceptance and appreciation of people who speak a different language. Knowledge of a language other than English can open up a wide range of career paths, specifically from the tourism industry to the public service, teaching and diplomatic service. However, a student who has such knowledge can apply it to any career as there are now very few that do not require good communication skills.

“Learning a second language is a way of preparing students for the challenge of the twenty-first century global community. The skills and awareness that language learning brings can help them extend their ability to communicate beyond their own culture and country and thereby help create a wider view of the world and their place in it.”