In this unit students develop an understanding of the language(s) and culture(s) of Italian-speaking communities through the study of topics related to the individual, the Italian-speaking communities, and the world around us. Students access and share useful information on the topics through Italian and consolidate and extend vocabulary and grammar knowledge and language skills. They focus on analysing cultural products or practices including visual, spoken or written texts. Cultural products or practices are drawn from a diverse range of texts, activities and creations. Students apply acquired knowledge of Italian culture and language to new contexts. Students reflect on the interplay between language and culture, and its impact on the individual’s language use in specific contexts and for specific audiences.

AREA OF STUDY 1 - Interpersonal communication

In this area of study students develop their skills and knowledge to establish and maintain an informal, personal, spoken interaction in Italian on a selected subtopic. 

OUTCOME 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to exchange meaning in a spoken interaction in Italian. 

AREA OF STUDY 2 - Interpretive communication

In this area of study students locate and use information from two texts in Italian, chosen from a written, spoken or audiovisual format. They develop skills and knowledge to read, listen to or view texts in Italian effectively, to summarise content and to combine information from the texts in written responses in Italian and English. 

OUTCOME 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret information from two texts on the same subtopic presented in Italian, and respond in writing in Italian and in English. 

AREA OF STUDY 3 - Presentational communication

Students present content related to the selected subtopic in Italian in written form, which may include supporting visual elements. Students develop a presentation that recounts, narrates, entertains, retells or interprets information, concepts and ideas for a specific audience. The presentation will feature cultural products or practices from Italian-speaking communities which can be drawn from a diverse range of texts, activities and creations.

OUTCOME 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to present information, concepts and ideas in writing in Italian on the selected subtopic and for a specific audience and purpose. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS 

Outcome 1 

• Participate in a conversation, interview or role-play on the subtopic of Migration to Italy

Outcome 2 

• Read and analyse an article on the subtopic of Mediterranean Diet

Outcome 3 

• Create a written and oral presentation on the subtopic of Environment & Technology

In this unit students develop an understanding of aspects of language and culture through the study of personal identity and lifestyle, contemporary events in Italy, and global and contemporary society. Students analyse visual, spoken and written texts. They access and share useful information on the topics and subtopics through Italian and consolidate and extend vocabulary, grammar knowledge and language skills. Cultural products or practices can be used to demonstrate how culture and perspectives may vary between communities. Students reflect on the interplay between language and culture, and its impact on meaning, understanding and the individual’s language use in specific contexts and for specific audiences. 

AREA OF STUDY 1 - Interpersonal communication

In this area of study students participate in a written exchange in Italian. They develop skills and knowledge that enable them to read, listen to and view texts in Italian and to develop a suitable response in Italian. Text types may include a letter, telephone message, video call or email, and may be accompanied by visual information, such as maps, advertisements, menus, photographs, film clips or diagrams.

OUTCOME 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond in writing in Italian to spoken, written or visual texts presented in Italian. 

AREA OF STUDY 2 - Interpretive Communication

In this area of study students extract information from texts provided in Italian and respond to the texts in writing using elements of this information. They develop skills and knowledge to read, listen to or view texts in Italian and to use information in a new context. The topic selected for the texts will be drawn from the prescribed themes, with students developing their understanding of the culture(s) of Italian-speaking communities. 

OUTCOME 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and use information from written, spoken or visual texts to produce an extended written response in Italian. 

AREA OF STUDY 3 - Presentational Communication

In this area of study students research cultural products or practices that demonstrate an aspect of the culture studied. They develop an oral presentation in Italian on an aspect of the selected subtopic of interest to them. Students consider relevant content, language and cultural information that can be used in the development of their oral presentation. They focus on skills and knowledge that enable them to read, listen to and view texts in Italian and to speak about cultural connections and comparisons.

OUTCOME 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain information, ideas and concepts orally in Italian to a specific audience about an aspect of culture within communities where Italian is spoken. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS 

Outcome 1 

• Write a personal answer to a written text on the subtopic of Education & Future Aspirations

Outcome 2 

• Evaluate opposing arguments put forward on an issue, on the subtopic of the long-term impact of Social Media on society. 

Outcome 3 

• Present and explain an aspect of culture, referring to a portfolio or a PowerPoint presentation, on the subtopic of Italian Art.

In this unit students investigate the way Italian speakers interpret and express ideas, and negotiate and persuade in Italian. Students interpret information, inform others, and reflect upon and develop persuasive arguments. They access and share useful information on the subtopics through Italian, and consolidate and extend vocabulary and grammar knowledge and language skills. Students consider the influence of language and culture in shaping meaning and reflect on the practices, products and perspectives of the cultures of Italian-speaking communities. They reflect on how knowledge of Italian and Italian-speaking communities can be applied in a range of contexts and endeavours, such as further study, travel, business or community involvement. 

AREA OF STUDY 1 - Interpersonal communication

In this area of study students develop skills and knowledge to resolve a personal issue by negotiating a mutually agreeable outcome in a spoken exchange in Italian on a selected subtopic. Students research relevant content, language and cultural information, in particular that associated with acknowledging other speakers’ points of view, and negotiating and persuading in culturally appropriate ways. They consider the interplay between cultural perspectives and mutual understanding, and focus on language important for effective participation in spoken interactions in Italian. Students develop their understanding that language choices influence outcomes and impressions created in the exchange. 

OUTCOME 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to participate in a spoken exchange in Italian to resolve a personal issue. 

AREA OF STUDY 2 - Interpretive Communication

In this area of study students extract information from three or more texts relating to the selected subtopic, and create written responses to specific questions or instructions in Italian. Students synthesise information from written, spoken and visual texts. Students consider relevant content, language and cultural information from three or more texts to identify and interpret key ideas and detail on the selected subtopic. Texts could include extracts, articles, blogs, webpages, postcards, stories, podcasts, songs, plays, news items, films, photographs, maps and other written, spoken or viewed texts. Students connect and compare ideas and identify different points of view or perspectives in each of the texts. Students respond to the texts in writing in Italian. They consider the influence of language, culture, social norms and ways of thinking in shaping meaning and the sequencing of ideas in the response. 

OUTCOME 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret information from texts and write responses in Italian. 

AREA OF STUDY 3 - Presentational communication

In this area of study students create an extended original piece of personal, informative or imaginative writing in Italian to express ideas, thoughts or responses on an aspect of the selected subtopic. Students analyse and reflect on content related to the selected subtopic to assist in identifying aspects suited to reflection, informing or storytelling. They may use cultural products or practices as stimulus material for their writing. Students consider the language and features of the types of text they encounter to ensure that their writing includes culturally appropriate content. 

OUTCOME 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to express ideas in a personal, informative or imaginative piece of writing in Italian. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS 

Outcome 1 

• A four minute role-play, focusing on negotiating a solution to a personal issue.

Outcome 2 

• Respond to specific questions or instructions from written, spoken and viewed texts.

Outcome 3 

• A 250-word personal, informative, or imaginative piece of writing.

In this unit students investigate aspects of culture through the study of two or more subtopics from the prescribed themes and topics. Students build on their knowledge of Italian-speaking communities, considering cultural perspectives and language and explaining personal observations. Students consolidate and extend vocabulary, grammar knowledge and language skills to investigate the topics through Italian. Students identify and reflect on cultural products or practices that provide insights into Italian-speaking communities. Cultural products or practices can be drawn from a diverse range of texts, activities and creations. Students reflect on the ways culture, place and time influence values, attitudes and behaviours. They consider how knowledge of more than one culture can influence the ways individuals relate to each other and function in the world. 

AREA OF STUDY 1 - Interpersonal communication 

In this area of study students research and present information on a cultural product or practice from an Italian-speaking community. Students develop knowledge and skills to share observations and consider how the product or practice may reflect a specific cultural perspective or behaviour. Through the investigation of a cultural product or practice, students research specialised content, language and cultural information related to the selected subtopic. Students use knowledge of the subtopic to explain differences and similarities between cultural contexts, such as the present and the past, or between Italian-speaking communities in different locations around the world. They develop language important for effective participation in spoken interaction in Italian, including deep knowledge of the subtopic, to present information, ideas and opinions about the cultural product or practice and to participate in an extended discussion. 

OUTCOME 1  

On completion of this unit the student should be able to share information, ideas and opinions in a spoken exchange in Italian. 

AREA OF STUDY 2 - Interpretive communication

In this area of study students analyse and present in writing information extracted from written, spoken and viewed texts in Italian on a selected subtopic. Students respond to the texts in an extended piece of writing in Italian that requires a different text type to the stimulus material. Students identify and analyse key ideas and make comparisons between the details, ideas and points of view expressed in each of the texts. 

OUTCOME 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse information from written, spoken and viewed texts for use in a written response in Italian. 

AREA OF STUDY 3 - Presentational communication

In this area of study students present information, concepts and ideas in an extended written response to persuade an audience of a point of view or evaluate existing ideas and opinions about an aspect of the selected subtopic. Students investigate relevant content, language and cultural information to assist in persuading others of a particular position or evaluating existing positions and opinions on an issue related to the subtopic. Students create an original written text in Italian on an aspect of the subtopic for a specified audience and text type. The written text is for a persuasive or evaluative purpose. Students consider acceptable ways of persuading others or evaluating arguments, and carefully select and sequence language for the audience and purpose of the writing. 

OUTCOME 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to present information, concepts and ideas in evaluative or persuasive writing on an issue in Italian.

For more information about Italian, see Madeleine Sofia