Languages

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." Nelson Mandela 

What is learning languages about?

- Learning a new language provides a means of communication with people from another culture and exploring one's own world.

- Languages and cultures play a key role in developing our personal, group, national and human identities.

Which languages does our school offer?

In Year 9 the students have a Languages rotation so that they have a chance to learn the basics of Samoan, Japanese and te reo Māori.

From Years 10 to 13 the languages are an option that, if they wish, can take the student as far as NCEA Level 3.  By this stage the student can communicate with a degree of confidence both orally and in writing.

Why does our school teach languages?

How does our school teach languages?

• In the core communication strand, students learn to use the language to make meaning. As their knowledge increases, they become more effective communicators, developing the receptive skills of listening, reading, and viewing and the productive skills of speaking, writing, and presenting or performing.
• In the supporting language knowledge strand, students study the language in order to understand how it works. They learn about the relationships between different words and different structures, how speakers adjust their language when negotiating meaning in different contexts and for different purposes, and how different types of text are organised.
• In the supporting cultural knowledge strand, students learn about culture and the interrelationship between culture and language. As they compare and contrast different beliefs and cultural practices, including their own, they understand more about themselves and become more understanding of others.

Why continue learning a language?

The value of learning languages click here

Learning a language could save your career

Language learning is a core aspect of the National Curriculum.

Learners of a second language possess stronger vocabulary skills in English, improved listening and memory capabilities, and higher reading achievement in the native language.

As we move into a global economy, effective business people will need to be able to communicate in languages other than English. There is already a significant demand for employees that are multilingual, and this number will continue to increase in all sectors of work including government, travel, engineering, education, communication, law, economics, advertising etc. 

By studying another language and culture, a student can look at her or his own culture from an outside perspective. Intercultural experiences can result in a deeper understanding and appreciation of one's own customs, culture, and traditions.

"Another language opens up a whole new window on the world. It might be small and difficult to see through at first, but it gives you a different perspective, and it might make you realise that your first window could do with a bit of polishing and even enlarging." (Hone Tuwhare, Die deutsche Sprache und ich, NZCTE, Goethe-Institut, circa 1997)

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Courses in this Learning Area

Tourism and Travel, Writer, Historian, Social Work, Translator, Journalist, Marine Biologist, Clergyman, Ministry of Fisheries, Lecturer, Lawyer, Architect, Judge, Child Advocate, NZ Armed Forces, Traveller, Professional Singer/Dancer, Performer, Actor, Kapa Haka Tutor, Radio, Immigration Officer, Television, Exhibition - Carving, Weaving, Painting, Sculptor, Politician, Tourism, Teacher, Linguist, Interpreter, Tourist Operator, Air Hostess, Airline Crew, Airport Worker, Hotel Manager, Import and Export Trader, Business person, Business person,