How will the study of a foreign language benefit a student at GWSC?
Students who choose to study a Language at VCE level are rewarded in more ways than one. Individual language studies are scaled up significantly and in addition, choosing to study a Language comes with a bonus which is applied to your overall aggregate score.
Students studying language and a higher level mathematics qualify for the VCE (Baccalaureate). This is a form of recognition for those students who choose to undertake the demands of studying both of these challenging subjects in their VCE program of study.
The VCAA states that 'Tertiary institutions have indicated that they strongly support initiatives that encourage students to study a higher level mathematics and a language in the final years of schooling', VCAA.
Aside from this, languages help to improve your cognitive ability. They promote problem solving, multitasking, critical thinking, open-mindedness and literacy skills, all of which can be transferred into other subject areas studied and future career pathways.
How difficult are languages at VCE level?
Like all subjects at VCE level, languages require a lot of time and dedication. Students are expected to apply the previous knowledge and understanding they have of the language and content to various contexts. Regular revision of vocabulary and language functions is necessary and application of the language macro skills is at the basis of all teaching and learning activities in preparation for the exam. In addition to face to face teaching, students will need to spend time out of the classroom engaging with the target language, whether it be through music, film or television or purely in conversation with their peers and teachers.
When can a student study a language outside of school?
Where the subject is not offered at the school, students can continue their studies via correspondence at the VSL. When the language is offered at the school, students should complete it as a part of their internal studies. By studying the language at school, the exposure is spread out over the course of the week rather than in one small block of time and the learning environment is familiar. Students also have the benefit of working with experienced classroom teachers in a school context who both teach and assess VCE Languages.
What careers are available to students who study a foreign language?
There are a variety of professions in which a second language is highly sought after. As the world we live in becomes more and more globalised, the need for employees to be bilingual increases. Areas such as international business and trade, translating and interpreting, human resources, emergency services and teachers are among some of the common professions that look for bilingual employees.
Who should study a foreign language?
Do you enjoy learning about how language works? Are you interested in knowing how other cultures in the world compare to yours? Do you want to improve your communication skills as well as your English skills? Do you see yourself travelling in the future either for work or leisure? Do you want to be more open minded and improve your problem solving skills? Do you want to have a different learning experience from your other more conventional studies? Do you want to be a part of a collaborative and engaging classroom environment? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Languages are for you!
Are there any prerequisites or requirements needed to study a foreign language?
VCE language is a continuation from the Victorian Curriculum Pathway 7-10, therefore students need to have studied the language in order to continue it into VCE, either inside or outside of the school, for example via correspondence at the VSL. Native speakers of the language may also qualify to study VCE level language. Language is the only elective at year 9 that must be completed in order to continue at a VCE level.