Scotch College

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE) Year 10 — 2010

It is expected that in Year 10 students will normally study two semesters of LOTE in order to maintain the sequence of study necessary for admission to VCE LOTE study. Two LOTE Units can be studied through to VCE at Scotch College.

Rationale

The ability to use a language other than English and move between cultures is important for full participation in the modern world, especially in the context of increased globalisation and Australia’s cultural diversity. The course aims directly to continue to develop pupils’ communicative skills and literacy in the LOTE, and indirectly to promote cognitive growth and divergent thinking. It enables pupils to explore a wider social and intellectual environment, and to encounter different ways of looking at the world.

Course Content

Learning a language offers students the opportunity to:

• Use the language to communicate with its speakers
• Understand how language operates as a system and, through comparison, how other languages, including English, are structured and function
• Gain insights into the culture or cultures which give the language its life and meaning
• Consider their own culture, and compare it with the cultures of countries and communities where the language is spoken
• Add to their general knowledge
• Enhance their vocational prospects

The Role of ICT

The use of ICT is a regular part of the LOTE-learning experience at all levels. Some examples are: students create
multimedia tasks using generic software such as PowerPoint or Photo Story; the internet is used for communication, e.g. with e-pals or exchange partners, for research, to locate language (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and
intercultural on-line tasks, to access on-line bilingual dictionaries and grammar resources, and to download podcasts
in the LOTE. Some use is also made where appropriate of interactive CDROM software designed to drill, consolidate
and extend particular language skills, and of generic software such as MS Word and MS Excel for writing skills,
vocabulary lists, intercultural comparisons, etc. Classrooms equipped with a digital projector enable teachers to use live websites as part of the course delivery. Authoring software is also used where appropriate.

Assessment

• Listening and Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Examination