Mercedes College - Languages other than English

Languages other than English

The two languages offered at Mercedes College are: French and Italian.

Student-centred and communication-focused approaches based on learning language which is relevant to the student’s own view of the world, their lives and interests are a feature of our language courses. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively, enjoying the experience of learning from and with others. They gain an understanding of other societies, the ability to interact with people and cultures other than their own and practical skills which they can use in future social, cultural and vocational areas. Our students are also provided with a wide range of opportunities to enable them to explore and extend their language skills both in English and the language they have chosen to study.

Head of Learning Area
Ms Angela Velletri

Year 7

French	Sem I	Salut mes amis!	Friendships! Getting to know each other
	Sem II	Bon appétit	Eating out at a crêperie, café and restaurant

Italian	Sem I	Amica a vita!	Establishing lifelong friendships!
	Sem II	Buon appetite	Eating out at a gelateria, pizzeria, café and restaurant

Year 8

French	Sem I	Moi et mon look!	Friendships! Let’s learn about fashion
	Sem II	Les choses que j’aime!	All things that I like; foods, hobbies and weekend activities

Italian	Sem I	Presentiamoci in passerella!	Introducing ourselves on the catwalk! Let’s learn about fashion
	Sem II	Le mie passion! e sono golosa di	All things that I like; foods, hobbies and weekend activities

Year 9

French	Sem I	En Vacances! Bon voyage!	Holidays and travelling around French-speaking countries
	Sem II	Les fêtes	Festivals and celebrations

Italian	Sem I	In vacanza! Buon viaggio!	Holidays and travelling around Italy
	Sem II	Festeggiamo!	Festivals and celebrations

Year 10

French	Sem I	Le monde des jeunes	Personal identity, aspects of living in a French- speaking community and youth culture
	Sem II	La Francophonie	Focus on a French-speaking region, community or country

Italian	Sem I	Questo mio mondo!	Personal identity, aspects of living in Italy and youth culture
	Sem II	Cose da fare, luoghi da visitare	Home, shopping and leisure, arts and entertainment

Year Eleven

French (Stage 2)

Unit 2AFRE

The focus for this unit is c’est las vie! (that’s life!). Students explore their own culture from a teenager’s perspective and compare it with what it means to be a teenager in France. They explore popular or traditional culture, the culture of everyday life, notions of national or regional identity, or other forms of culture specific to France. Students examine the activities that are popular with youth today. In the context of c’est las vie!, they share information about their health, free time and future plans. They examine the influence of French cuisine in the world and events and activities associated with French-speaking communities, such as festivals and soccer.

Unit 2BFRE

The focus for this unit is voyages (travel). Students share information about where they have been and where they hope to travel to in the future, and discuss what young people should consider when planning a trip and travelling. They look at Australia as a tourist destination, especially for French-speaking travellers, and how Australians are viewed in France. They explore cultural exchanges and what it means to live in a French-speaking community, experiencing family and school life.

Italian (Stage 2)

Unit 2AITA

The focus for this unit is rapporti (relationships). Relationships may relate to family, friends, school and workplace and may be passing or long-term. Students learn about the place of amici, the notion of the extended family, i compagni di classe, and the role of the community and the ‘neighbourhood’ in the lives of Italian speakers. They also develop the language and skills to communicate within and about these contexts.

Unit 2BITA

The focus for this unit is andiamo! (travel – let’s go!). Students share information about travel and what to consider when planning a trip. They look at Australia and specifically their local area as a destination for Italian speaking travellers, and explore cultural exchanges/school trips to Italy. Such situations enable students to gain an understanding of what it means to live in Italy.

Year 12

French E006

The subject sets out to integrate linguistic and cultural components by focussing on the following themes:

· Leisure time

· Food and drink

· School and future plans

· Health and fitness

· World issues

· Reading for pleasure

Italian (Stage 3)

Unit 3AITA

The focus for this unit is made in Italy (made in Italy). It is aimed at students who have well-developed skills and understanding. They explore the trends that are associated with their Italian peers and the importance of these in the establishment of identity. By accessing more complex texts, either related to: specific contexts, such as living in Italy, particular text types, such as magazines or advertisements; genres, such as comedy, horror or drama; or topics such as music, finding work or current trends, they develop further insight into Italian cultures.

Unit 3BITA

The focus for this unit…e poi? (what next?). Students reflect on their lives, their experiences and what the future has in store. They examine future study, employment, travel and relationships. Students focus on issues pertinent to Italian-speaking communities, and to the student themselves or to their community, eg personal, social, environmental issues.

Associated
Co-curricula activities

Students are encouraged to participate in external language competitions. These include the Alliance Française and Dante Alighieri examinations (years 10-12) and the ACER National Language Certificates Examinations (year 9). Trips, home-stays and exchange programmes are also offered to language students:

ITALY: A Study and Cultural Tour

FRANCE: A Study and Cultural Tour

WA / LA Réunion ExchangeWAATI / Intercultura Exchange