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LOTE – this acronym stands for Languages Other Than English
Learning a language other than English helps you:
- Appreciate that every culture has its own way of expressing reality
- Participate in the global community
- Understand more about your own culture
- Understand more about English
At Coolum State School we teach Japanese to students in year 5, 6 and 7.
Interaction
The students have the opportunity to meet authentic Japanese people, as language assistants help with the program. The school also has a group of Junior High School students visiting from Nishikata in Japan every August. This is a wonderful time of friendship between nations. Our visitors have a homestay with students from our school and interact with classes during the week.
Competitions
Students from Year 6 and 7 are challenged to participate in the ACER language tests held in August – competing against students from all over Australia.
Culture
Throughout the program the culture of Japan is celebrated and studied. Students will do origami, try Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and celebrate spring festivals. Language and culture are linked and an example of this is learning greetings including how to bow.
During the year we share with the school some of the special events celebrated in Japan. Valentine’s Day is always enjoyed by the men teachers and White Day by the ladies. Students also have an udezumo (arm wrestling) tournament as part of their studies and the tournament is conducted in Japanese.
Intellectual Challenge
Students learn to read and write using all three scripts. They learn to communicate using everyday expression and focus on themes.
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