Languages and International Programs
Korowa offers a sequential Prep – Year 12 language program. Languages offered at the School are French, German, Chinese and Japanese. At Korowa we emphasise the importance of learning at least one language to Year 12 and strongly encourage the learning of two languages. Language learning is a challenging and rewarding experience which broadens students’ horizons and exposes them to personal, social, and employment opportunities in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.
Korowa Language Program Structure
The languages offered at Korowa are Chinese, French, German and Japanese. Alternating Prep years study French or German until the end of Year 8 (2013 Prep students commence German and 2014 Prep students commence French).
Year 7 students study a European and an Asian language. They study German and Japanese, or French and Chinese. (Year 7 students study French and Chinese in 2013 and German and Japanese in 2014)
Year 8 students continue learning the same two languages they commenced in Year 7.
Students are strongly encouraged to continue studying their two languages in Year 9. It is possible, however, for students to commence an alternative foreign language. Students may discontinue one of their existing language studies and commence either German or Japanese (2013) or French or Chinese (2014). The language learning skills gained in Years 7 and 8 greatly assist students starting a new language in Year 9.
Year 7 students study a European and an Asian language. They study German and Japanese, or French and Chinese. (Year 7 students study French and Chinese in 2013 and German and Japanese in 2014)
Year 8 students continue learning the same two languages they commenced in Year 7.
Students are strongly encouraged to continue studying their two languages in Year 9. It is possible, however, for students to commence an alternative foreign language. Students may discontinue one of their existing language studies and commence either German or Japanese (2013) or French or Chinese (2014). The language learning skills gained in Years 7 and 8 greatly assist students starting a new language in Year 9.
International Mindedness
Our language program is complemented by a view that, for our students to operate successfully in the global community of the future, they must be internationally minded. This perspective is built into the curriculum across all year levels, developing skills in students which encourage them to be open minded and to see themselves as global citizens.
This translates to a wide range of approaches in the classroom. In 4yo Reception, children may explore cultural backgrounds and celebrate cultural diversity through dance, music, costumes, food and celebrations. Year 4 students may undertake a unit of work together with a class in Thailand, using a variety of technologies to support their learning and communication. Year 7 students may consider how political power can be misused to create situations of unfairness. Year 9 students compare world religions and history electives offered in Years 10 – 12 highlight the past as a means of making sense of our present.
Korowa’s International Mindedness publication provides more detail about international mindedness in our curriculum.
This translates to a wide range of approaches in the classroom. In 4yo Reception, children may explore cultural backgrounds and celebrate cultural diversity through dance, music, costumes, food and celebrations. Year 4 students may undertake a unit of work together with a class in Thailand, using a variety of technologies to support their learning and communication. Year 7 students may consider how political power can be misused to create situations of unfairness. Year 9 students compare world religions and history electives offered in Years 10 – 12 highlight the past as a means of making sense of our present.
Korowa’s International Mindedness publication provides more detail about international mindedness in our curriculum.
International Exchanges
Korowa’s Exchange Programs enable students to gain a deeper insight into everyday life in another country while enhancing their language skills. Students can spend time at the end of each year in France, Germany, China or Japan, living with host families, participating in cultural excursions and official events and attending school.
Students gain much from these exchange experiences. They learn to adapt to living with another family, communicate in another language and immerse themselves in a different way of life. Students start thinking of themselves as global citizens, and they become more independent and confident. Korowa has a 22-year partnership with Edogawa Girls’ High School in Tokyo, Japan and a 13-year partnership with the Veit-Höser-Gymnasium in Bogen, Bavaria, Germany. Students of French attend the Lycée Des Graves and Lycée Victor Louis in Bordeaux, France. Students of Chinese attend our Partner School, Fudan High, in Shanghai, China.
Students in Year 10 or 11 may participate in the Exchange Programs. They take place after examinations and at a time which does not interfere with the students’ ongoing academic studies.
Students gain much from these exchange experiences. They learn to adapt to living with another family, communicate in another language and immerse themselves in a different way of life. Students start thinking of themselves as global citizens, and they become more independent and confident. Korowa has a 22-year partnership with Edogawa Girls’ High School in Tokyo, Japan and a 13-year partnership with the Veit-Höser-Gymnasium in Bogen, Bavaria, Germany. Students of French attend the Lycée Des Graves and Lycée Victor Louis in Bordeaux, France. Students of Chinese attend our Partner School, Fudan High, in Shanghai, China.
Students in Year 10 or 11 may participate in the Exchange Programs. They take place after examinations and at a time which does not interfere with the students’ ongoing academic studies.
