This department cover Years 7-12 and currently encompasses:

• French (Years 7-10 and VCE)
• Japanese (Years 7-10 and VCE)

At Gippsland Grammar, studying languages is inspiring and exhilarating, challenging and stimulating, but most of all it is fun. Students at the Junior School study Japanese; at the Senior School, the study of a language other than English is compulsory for most students until the end of Year 8, after which many students continue their study of French or Japanese as an Elective. As a second language provides an advantage in VCE and in later life, both languages are taught kinaesthetically using the Accelerative Integrated Methodology (AIM) which is a unique and multi-faceted program using gestures. Students extend their comprehension so they achieve their best in learning, understanding and communicating in Japanese or French.

At Gippsland Grammar, students taking French or Japanese experience the satisfaction of achieving a high level of linguistic competence in a language other than English; as well they experience and are able to appreciate different cultures and traditions through a range of classroom activities, cultural tours, and exchange and hosting programs. These opportunities allow our students to build upon their new skills, and offer advantages in promoting tolerance and their cultural understanding of other societies.

Language assistants also enable regular practice of speaking and listening skills for students on an individual and group basis.

Japanese

At Gippsland Grammar, Japanese is an important and compulsory part of the curriculum from Prep to Year 7, after which students may choose to study this language through to VCE Units 3 and 4. Accelerated students can also undertake University Enhancement studies.

Japanese courses at Gippsland Grammar encourage students to be actively involved in using their developing language skills. The course is designed to maximise opportunities for students to read, speak and write in Japanese often and in a range of situations.

The academic program is supported by activities including Japanese (first language) assistants who provide in-class support for students in all year levels, whose presence in the classroom facilitate conversational skills and cultural understanding through recounting their own experience. The program is also supported by regular visits from Japanese students, exchanges and hosting schemes, the Sister School program, tours to Japan and activities including games, cultural demonstrations, lectures and celebrating Japanese national days.

French

At Gippsland Grammar, for most students the study of French is compulsory in Year 7, after which students may choose to study this language through to VCE Units 3 and 4.

French courses at Gippsland Grammar encourage students to be actively involved in using their developing language skills. The course, the French Study Tour and exchange program are designed to maximise opportunities for students to converse and write in French often and in a range of situations. Technology plays an important role in the French program, with students using their language skills to communicate with their French teachers but also with our Sister School in France.