Our Japanese program started in 2018 for all students from Foundation to Year 6. The program aims to develop students’ communication skills in Japanese and their intercultural capabilities.
Foundation and Junior students participate in activities such as games, songs and simple tasks, using movement and gestures to become familiar with the Japanese language. Students practise exchanging greetings, translating simple and familiar words such as animals and colours, and making simple statements about themselves in Japanese.
Years 3 to 6 students continue to learn simple grammar and build vocabulary to listen and speak in Japanese as well as developing their skills to read and write Japanese scripts. Students also have opportunities to explore various topics on Japan and its culture such as food, tourist destinations and famous people in Japan.
All students from Foundation to Year 6 participate in activities in which the students learn and experience Japanese culture including cooking, making origami, celebrating traditional festivals, playing traditional games, and watching anime, Japanese animations. In 2019, the whole school celebrated a Japanese Day and participated in a variety of Japanese activities including Taiko drumming and calligraphy.
We have also established a sister school relationship with Ichinomiya Seibu Elementary School in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. We have been talking to each other on Skype and exchanging letters and gifts.