Indonesian Second Language Units 1-4

VCE Indonesian at KHS is Indonesian as a Second Language. It is designed for students who have completed at least 200 hours of Indonesian language learning in a classroom setting.

This study develops students’ ability to understand and use the language of one of Australia’s closest neighbours and one of the most influential nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, a member of the G20, and an increasingly important partner for Australia in areas such as trade, tourism, education, environmental sustainability and regional security.

Studying Indonesian enables students to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds while developing a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s rich history, traditions and contemporary society.  Students studying VCE Indonesian may have opportunities to participate in cultural immersion experiences and study tours, providing authentic opportunities to use the language and build meaningful connections with Indonesian communities. These experiences allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts while developing independence, confidence and intercultural understanding.

As Australia’s relationship with Indonesia continues to grow, graduates with Indonesian language skills and intercultural understanding are becoming increasingly valuable in a wide range of professions, including business, government, diplomacy, tourism, education, journalism, defence, international development and environmental management.

Studying a language other than English contributes to students’ overall education by strengthening communication skills, intercultural understanding, literacy, problem-solving and cognitive flexibility. Research consistently shows that language learning enhances memory, critical thinking and the ability to adapt to new situations.

VCE Indonesian also provides opportunities beyond the classroom. Students may participate in language competitions, cultural activities, exchanges and study tours, allowing them to apply their learning in authentic contexts. The ability to communicate in Indonesian demonstrates initiative, global awareness and a willingness to engage with the wider world, qualities highly valued by universities, employers and future workplaces.

Whether students intend to travel, work internationally or simply gain a broader perspective of the world, VCE Indonesian equips them with practical skills and experiences that will benefit them well beyond their secondary schooling.

Unit 1 and Unit 2

Unit 1 and Unit 2 immerse students in the vibrant language and cultures of Indonesian-speaking communities. Students explore a variety of topics and subtopics, discovering useful information in Indonesian.  Through the study of three or more topics, students gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of language and culture through analysing visual, spoken, and written texts.

By analysing cultural products like stories, songs and film, students will delve into the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture. Along the way, they will reflect on how language and culture interact, shaping their own language use in specific situations and for specific audiences.

Unit 3 and Unit 4

In Unit 3 and Unit 4, students study a range of topics related to the individual, Indonesian-speaking communities and the world around us. They will investigate the way Indonesian speakers interpret, express, negotiate and persuade ideas in Indonesian through the study of three or more subtopics from the prescribed themes and topics. Students consider the influence of language and culture in shaping meaning and reflect on the practices, products and perspectives of the cultures of Indonesian-speaking communities. Students build on their knowledge of Indonesian-speaking communities, considering cultural perspectives and language and explaining personal observations.

They reflect on how knowledge of Indonesian and Indonesian-speaking communities can be applied in a range of contexts and endeavours, such as further study, travel, business or community involvement.

Entry/Assessment

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion: Students must complete Unit 3 to be eligible to undertake Unit 4. Achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Levels of Achievement: 

• Units 1 and 2: 6 SACs in total should be completed to pass UNIT 1 and 2. Students complete the end of year exam.

• Units 3 and 4: 6 SACs in total should be completed to pass Units 3 and 4.

  • Unit 3 SACs: 25%

  • Unit 4 SACs: 25%

  • End-of-year examination: 50%