Learning a language is one of the many valuable experiences we offer at Castlemaine Secondary College. At CSC we offer French or Indonesian. Research proves that students who learn an additional language have better literacy and communication skills, and a heightened awareness of other cultures. At CSC we place equal emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing.
For each year level there are language excursions. Activities include going to foreign language movies or to the theatre, a café or restaurant, or on a language trail. Food tasting or cooking, immersion days and exchanges are also offered and a language assistant who is a native speaker of the language is often in our classrooms to help our students.
At CSC we offer French or Indonesian
French
French is an amazing language to learn as it’s very expressive and sounds beautiful when spoken. As students advance their studies they learn to use gestures and start to develop an authentic accent. They have conversations about everyday life, discuss current topics and look at the French way of doing things. Our language assistant can help with vocabulary and current language use and also talk about their life back in France. Some of our students choose to go on our school exchange trip to France. They definitely come back with improved speaking skills and an appreciation of the French way of life.
Indonesian
Indonesia is very different to Australia and so it’s a perfect language for students who are looking for a new way of thinking. Students learn the language and study the culture in a fun learning environment that involves lots of games, activities and innovative use of ICT. Students explore the various Indonesian cultures and study the changing nature of this vibrant and evolving country. Some of our students go on exchanges to Indonesia for the in-country experience and learn a lot about life and the language while there.
Where can languages take you?
Learning a language can lead to:
- greater literacy skills and improved thinking skills
- a greater awareness and understanding of other cultures
- lots of fun and varied activities while at school
- international exchanges
- the opportunity to travel and speak the language
- a career in translating, interpreting, international affairs or teaching
- a career in hospitality, travel or tourism
“French has given me a lot of opportunities in life. Opportunities to meet people and form amazing friendships. It’s given me work opportunities. I think that when someone sees on your resume that you speak French that gives you a real advantage as it means that you are persistent and hardworking — and that’s really important. You may think that French may be useful only in France but there’s actually a lot of people who speak French so it’s all useful as a day-to-day language across the world.” Zillah Hansen (former CSC student)
“Learning Bahasa Indonesia wholly enriched my experience of high school. As young people we’ve got to readily take opportunities as they come. The fantastic thing about studying a language is that there are more chances to challenge yourself both academically and socially. Whether it’s developing confidence, global perspective, and people skills whilst on exchange or working with native speakers; or diligence, self-awareness and satisfaction moving through content, there is exponential value in studying a language. As Indonesia’s economic growth booms on into the 21st century, now, is an incredibly exciting time to unlock the language of a diverse and rapidly evolving nation.” Meaghan Ferguson (former CSC Student)