Language learning develops communication skills, intercultural understanding and global perspectives. Students have opportunities to study languages through specialist and general programs.
Learn more about our GAT Languages Program (Gifted & Talented).
Studying a language at Mount Lawley Senior High School develops far more than the ability to communicate in another tongue. It builds skills and perspectives that benefit students across all areas of learning and life.
First and foremost, learning a language enables students to interact with others. They learn and practise how to organise their ideas, to select the appropriate words and tone, to look and listen to the response and to express their ideas and feelings. The communicative approach to teaching Languages ensures that meaningful communication — such as asking for, getting and giving directions — is the focus of classroom learning.
Learning a language encourages students to look more objectively at English as a system. As they begin to see the patterns and rules that operate in their language study, students look for patterns and rules in English grammar, spelling and usage. Almost always a student's English will improve as a result of studying another language.
Language programs emphasise social interactions such as introducing friends, explaining likes and dislikes and making arrangements. Language learning activities therefore often involve students working with a partner or in small groups, developing relationship skills like taking turns, asking for and giving assistance, negotiation and conflict resolution.
Students use language as a tool to learn about the world. Learning a second language is like upgrading and extending their collection of tools. Students are given opportunities to experience other areas of the curriculum — reading, mathematics, health, science, society and environment, and technology — with a new set of language terms.
Students learning a language other than English also learn about the culture embedded in that language. Different behaviours when greeting people, expressing gratitude and extending an invitation are integral to successful communication. Students who learn about another culture are more likely to value other ways of thinking and are developing their imagination, sensitivity and understanding.
Success breeds success. Many parents and teachers have witnessed improvements in both students' attitudes and achievement in all areas when they have begun learning a language. Students are often excited by the opportunity to succeed in something new and different, which makes them feel special. Positive attitudes such as these lead students to engage more in the learning process.
Modern methods of teaching languages recommend a range of activities including role-plays, games, songs, interactive technologies and stories that engage students in using the language. The focus is on each student's progress with a range of levels of achievement and challenge evident in each class.
Learning a language promotes effective learning across all subject areas by providing students with the skills to analyse and use language better. Students learn to experiment with different ways of thinking and expressing their thoughts, and they are more likely to try a variety of solutions when solving problems. The skills of learning a language last a lifetime and can be applied to any other language students may decide to learn.
Businesses in any field associated with international trade, including tourism and import/export, require employees with knowledge of the languages and cultures of their customers. Employers are interested in recruits who can demonstrate positive attitudes and work ethics that include team working skills, tolerance, awareness of cultural values and practices, planning and initiative — all of which are developed through language study.
A knowledge of language and culture is specifically relevant to these fields: customer service, media, secretarial, childcare, teaching, sales, banking, police, travel, health, defence, diplomatic services, finance and foreign exchange, customs and excise, hospitality, and transport.
In Years 7-9, studying a language is compulsory. Specific information about the Year 7-10 curriculum can be found via the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website.
In Year 10, students have the option to continue with their language course or select an alternative course of study. More information about the units on offer is available in the Year 10 Handbook.
In Years 11 and 12, students are able to select from a number of courses including General and ATAR options. A full list of the courses on offer is available in the Year 11 and 12 Handbook.
For more information about the Languages Learning Area, contact Louise Chapman, Program Coordinator - Languages - Louise.Chapman@education.wa.edu.au
Mount Lawley Senior High School acknowledges the Whadjuk (Whadjak) People of the Nyoongar Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present, and to their continuing connection to Noongar Boodja (Noongar Country).
