Head Teacher: Ms M Hsiao
In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.
In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.
At Fairvale High we offer:
- French
- Spanish
- Mandarin (Chinese)
The importance of learning a second language
In our rapidly changing world, students are exposed to different cultures, advanced information and communication technologies on a daily basis through globalisation and the current ease of travelling.
When students study a foreign language, it allows them to respond positively to diversity and be respectful of others, especially in the multicultural environment that exists at Fairvale High School.
Contemporary research and practice has established a clear link between the learning of languages and improved literacy skills for both background speakers and second language learners. Even limited experience of the learning of languages is shown to increase metalinguistic awareness and enhance general cognitive development.
Why study Spanish?
Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world. It is the official language of 21 countries and one of the official languages of the United Nations and the European Union. Studying Spanish at Fairvale allows students the opportunity to be employed both domestically and internationally, in areas such as commerce, tourism, hospitality and international relations.
Why study French?
French is one of the major languages in the world. It is used in parts of Europe, Canada, North America, Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific region close to Australia, in countries such as New Caledonia, Tahiti and Vanuatu. Studying French at Fairvale exposes students to a range of experiences including the richness and diversity of the art, cuisine, literature, film and music of French-speaking communities.
Why study Chinese?
Chinese – Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world with one out of five people able to speak Chinese – Mandarin. Chinese is spoken in countries and communities such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Mongolia, Vietnam and Australia. Studying Chinese at Fairvale gives students the skills and abilities to interact with one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
Stage 4
In Year 8, students study either Spanish or French for 4 periods a week for the year. Students study the topics all about me, school, pastime and sport, my family and food. Students develop their knowledge and skills to be able to talk about these topics in the target language. They learn about the cultural differences and gain a greater understanding of how customs vary from one culture to another. Students develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the target language.
Stage 5
In Stage 5, Languages is offered as an elective subject over a 2 year period. The languages offered are Chinese, French and Spanish. Students do not require prior knowledge of the target language to select the subject as an elective in Year 9.
In Year 9, students study the target language for 4 periods a week for the year. Students study the topics introductions, my family and my friends, food, school and hobbies. They learn about the cultural differences and gain a greater understanding of how customs vary from one culture to another. Students develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the target language. Students also demonstrate their ICT skills by creating a presentation in the target language based on a famous person from the target language.
In Year 10, students study the target language for 5 periods a week for the year. Students study the topics travel, daily routine and vacations. They continue to develop their knowledge and skill on the topics studied through interacting with, understanding and producing texts. Students continue to work on improving their listening, reading and responding, writing and speaking skills.
Stage 6 preliminary and HSC courses
All the language courses offered in the preliminary and HSC course are Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) courses.
Language courses offered are:
- Spanish Beginners
- French Beginners
- Spanish Continuers
- French Continuers
French Beginners and Spanish Beginners
Both French Beginners and Spanish Beginners are designed for students who have no prior knowledge or experience in the chosen language. It is for students who have not studied the chosen language in Year 9 or 10. Students who have studied the chosen language in Year 8 can study the beginners course.
The preliminary course and the HSC course focuses on the personal world and the French/Spanish speaking communities.
Topics studied include:
- family life
- home and neighbourhood
- people, places and communitiese
- education and work
- friends, recreation and pastimes
- holidays, travel and tourism
- future plans and aspirations.
Students develop their skills in listening, reading and responding, writing and speaking skills.
French Continuers and Spanish Continuers
Both French Continuers and Spanish Continuers are designed for students who have studied French or Spanish in Year 9 and 10. Some native speaking students with less formal experience may study the continuers course.
The preliminary course and the HSC course focuses on the individual, the French/Spanish speaking communities and the changing world.
Topics studied include:
- personal identity
- relationships: family and friends
- school life and aspirations
- leisure and interests
- daily life and lifestyle
- arts and entertainment
- travel and tourism
- the world of work
- current issues: prominent people and events, technology, the environment,
- young persons world: youth culture
Students develop their skills in listening, reading and responding, writing and speaking skills.
Experiences outside the classroom
The languages faculty aims to provide an authentic learning experience to students by providing students with opportunities to attend activities outside the classroom.
Some of the activities may include:
- Alliançais Français: French learning centre
- restaurant experience: Chinese, French and Spanish restaurants
- movie sessions
- film festivals
- culture immersion activities
- study tour.
Other languages study options
The Saturday Languages School and Open High School are available for students to access and study other languages that are not offered at Fairvale High School.
Please see Ms Hsiao for more information.