Languages

Subjects offered:

• Japanese (7-12)
• French (7-12)
• Chinese – beginner level (7-12)

Cherrybrook Technology High School offers a wide range of languages other than English. French, Japanese and Chinese are taught from Years 7-12. Many other students study background languages through the Saturday School of Community Languages.

All students must study a language in Years 7 and 8, but it is optional thereafter. Each language program offers opportunities for students to spend time overseas. Year 10/11 students typically spend 2-3 weeks with a partner school extending their communicative skills as well as nurturing their intercultural knowledge.

Year 7

All students study two of the offered languages: French, Japanese and Chinese. One language over one semester and in the other semester they study another language. Languages studied in class will be determined by the expertise of their teachers. Through this initial exposure to the language, students then make an informed decision about which language they will study for the whole of Year 8. This choice is made at the beginning of Term 4. While the school tries to accommodate students’ first preference in languages, please note that this is not guaranteed.

Year 8

Students study the language they choose in Year 7 for the whole of Year 8. In Year 8 some students will have the opportunity to be part of an extension group. Extension group will follow a program in addition to the normal Year 8 language program.

Below are two outstanding Year 8 Extension Japanese speaking presentations on daily routine.

The following worksheets are grammar questions created by Year 8 students. They will be used in future classes.

Year 9 and Year 10

In order to continue language study into senior level students must select a language as a 200 hour course. Students are strongly encouraged to continue the language they were studying in Year 8, however there is the possibility to start a new language from the beginning.

 Year 10 French exchange project with French sister school (Lycee Emilie de Breteuil)

Year 11 and 12 Courses

You don’t need to nominate for Extension units until end of Year 11. If you are not sure whether you want to do an extension course it is best to talk with your teacher in Year 11 about it.

For more information see the Head Teacher Mrs Masami Arkins.

Language Department

The staff consist of a group of highly committed and experienced teachers who are determined to provide students with quality teaching and nurture students with the linguistic and cultural skills necessary to operate within the global world. Our language HSC results include first in the state in Japanese Extension in 2008 and Japanese Continuers 2011. In 2010 a student came second in Japanese Continuers. Japanese Continuers students came fifth in the state in 2016 and fourth in the state in 2018. In 2021 a Japanese Beginners student was third in the state.

The following videos are of past students telling of their experience of language learning:

Excursions

The school has actively promoted partnerships with overseas schools in an effort to expand the opportunities available to students. Currently, we have partner schools in Germany, France, Japan and China.

Overseas Study Trips

Trip photos: 2013 French Study Trip

Trip Photos: 2012 Japan Study Trip

English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D)

A wide range of support is available to students requiring additional assistance with English. Students in Years 7 and 8 are assessed and their progress is monitored and supported where required. In Years 9 and 10 students are able to join a special elective course. In Years 11 and 12 EAL/D English classes are available for eligible students. In addition, students are able to work in small tutorial groups with the EAL/D teacher on areas of particular concern.

International Day

This is a wonderful opportunity for the school to celebrate the range of cultures and heritages present in the community. The event is largely planned and implemented by a teacher-student committee.