The activist and author, Rita Mae Brown, believes that “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” As an integral component of every child’s educational programme at the School, learning an additional language is promoted by the Languages Faculty as a never-ending journey of learning beyond one’s school years and an important addition to one’s toolkit for the future. Learning about the power of language is so crucial in a child’s education that the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme considers every teacher to be a language teacher no matter their discipline.
Our students are exposed to an additional language as early as Prep where children at The Piper Centre explore the French language and culture. Their learning extends from basic greetings such as ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ to colours, numbers, animals, songs and cultural traditions. One of our 5-year old students recently had the chance to test her newfound vocabulary during a family holiday to New Caledonia. As a French territory, the basic terms ‘Bonjour’, ‘Au revoir’ and ‘Merci’ formed the basics for interacting with the locals. Studying a language at such a young age is a beautiful way to broaden the horizons of our youngest students and help them to understand and appreciate the world and all its cultures.
The study of Japanese begins in Kindergarten, and students undertake an increasingly rigorous exploration of the language and culture throughout Junior School. Classroom learning is supplemented with experiences such as Japanese sports days, ‘Mystery Skype sessions’ with Japanese schools, excursions to the Japan Foundation Centre in Sydney and welcoming visitors from our sister city in Kawasaki. Through the extra-curricular programme, Junior School students can also study French, Hindi and Mandarin.
From Year 7, French and Mandarin are added to the mix, as students maintain the study of this language through to Year 10. Students can elect to study a language in greater depth as an elective from Year 9. In the senior years, students opt to continue language study at either HSC or Diploma Programme (DP) level, the latter requires a mandatory study of an additional language apart from English. Some students have also committed to developing their heritage language skills through off campus study centres.
The Senior School Languages Faculty has a motto, “ The limits of my language are the limits of my world ” accredited to Ludwig Wittgenstein. This reflects just how much we can learn about ourselves and others by studying another language. At the time of writing, our language students are preparing to venture beyond the classroom limits with their language skills to China or New Caledonia. Our students are also readying themselves to welcome, into their own homes and the School, our Japanese buddies from our long standing sister school, Sapporo Nichidai High School. Some of our Senior School students have participated in exchange experiences in France and Japan where they were able to observe the cultural similarities that bind us as people and the differences that make each culture unique and worthy of equal value. Ultimately we hope that students come to understand that languages are not only a means by which to communicate; they are also tied up in culture and the identity of every individual.
2017 Japan Exchange Experience
In 2017, a few of our Senior School students had the opportunity to travel to Japan as part of the exchange experience programme. Below are reflections from our students on this learning opportunity.
"I decided to take this opportunity as it would be a great experience to learn many things including cultural similarities and differences, what it’s like living with a host family, living a day-to-day student life in a foreign country and furthering my knowledge of the language."
Samuel Lendrum, Year 12
“The foreign environment and lack of familiar faces was initially difficult; however, the experience has become unforgettable for me. Overall it was a rewarding experience and I learnt a lot about myself as a person and would strongly recommend exchange to younger students."
Aika Hammond, Year 12
The Language Journey after TIGS
As a Faculty, we like to keep in contact with TIGS alumni to see where their path has taken them and whether their passion for language, ignited at TIGS, is still a strong feature of their lives. We recently caught up with Nicole Mealey (Class of 2014), Elise Morton (Class of 2014) and Tomas Ziegelaar (Class of 2015) who shared some insight into their language journey.
Nicole Mealey
What have you been studying since graduating TIGS?
In my fourth and final year of my Bachelor of Music, majoring in Classical Voice, Performance (Opera) at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
What was the highlight of your language learning experience at TIGS?
Realising I had the ability to connect with others who I couldn’t communicate with before. Those little glimmers of understanding like new words in songs- or in conversations you hear in the street. The gift of learning a language is like a key to a whole new world!
What was your biggest challenge about language learning?
The grammar, at first, can always be tricky- but through practice, listening, speaking, reading, writing or even watching movies in the language you are learning, you will understand the inner workings of the language much easier.
How have you maintained your connection to language learning since leaving school?
Throughout my 4 year degree, we learn three languages- as most operas are not in English. First year is Italian- and coming straight from two years of Italian in Year 11 and 12 was most beneficial! Second year is German, then French in third year. We learn both the nitty gritty of the language as well as diction classes too. I never stop learning!
How will languages figure in your future career?
Performing in different languages regularly in my course and my future career. Being able to sing in the chosen language is one thing- but the real value comes from truly understanding what you’re singing about. Learning Italian, French and Japanese at TIGS equipped me with a wonderful understanding of the art and stories we can create, portray and understand with that skill- and for that, I will always be grateful for the head start I received.
Elise Morton
What have you been studying since graduating TIGS?
At the moment I am completing my second semester of exchange in Lyon, France, as part of my International Studies degree. I’ll be graduating at the end of the year.
What was the highlight of your language learning experience at TIGS?
It’s a cliché to say this, but there’s no single highlight! Of course the multi-lingual version of ‘Let it Go’ that we put together and performed on assembly at the end of 2014 will always be a fond memory… The wonderful teachers we had throughout high school is of course another highlight, as they gave us the freedom to learn at our own pace (relatively speaking), supported and encouraged us to challenge ourselves. I also remember several events such as having Bento box days or Crepe mornings which were fabulous ways of sharing a little piece of the culture of our chosen language. Not everyone likes studying a language, but everybody definitely likes food!
What was your biggest challenge about language learning?
Getting my head around grammar points and tenses that don’t have a viable equivalent/don’t translate well in English! It’s so important to try and put English structures out of mind and out of sight when focusing on another language.
How have you maintained your connection to language learning since leaving school?
Well, I’ve kept it up and now I’m on exchange!
How will languages figure in your future career?
I’ve always wanted to work for the United Nations, where one of the official languages is French. However, seeing as I need more work experience before I can apply for the UN, I hope to put my language skills to use volunteering abroad next year, perhaps in French Polynesia.
Tomas Ziegelaar
What have you been studying since graduating TIGS?
Studying Bachelor of Languages/Bachelor of International Security Studies at the Australian National University. Japanese major, Spanish minor.
What was the highlight of your language learning experience at TIGS?
Japan trip in Year 10 and extracurricular activities like the Tanken centre, and Obento Days.
What was your biggest challenge about language learning?
Learning how to speak on the spot and hold a natural conversation.
How have you maintained your connection to language learning since leaving school?
Still studying languages at University.
How will languages figure in your future career?
Hopefully a job using my languages (e.g. DFAT, department of defence) or job overseas in Japan or Chile.
