Language
The written and spoken language arts are crucial mediums for interpersonal relations, thought and learning about our world. The cultural dimension of language differentiates, maintains and transforms identities, and these elements are evident when language is used:
FACULTY OF LANGUAGE
- To process and refine personal knowledge, experience and thought
- To engage in social interaction
- To construct meanings about the world within particular cultural contexts
- For creative and imaginative purposes.
Increasing competence in English allows students to participate in their own culture in powerful and purposeful ways. As Languages other than English (LOTE) are a means of communication across cultures, learning them promotes socio-cultural understanding and competence.
Mrs Nicola Crawford
Head of Faculty – Language
The English program is delivered across all year levels and seeks to develop students’ proficiency in language skills and thinking, through providing a variety of authentic language experiences. We offer a predominantly literature-based program in which students encounter a range of text types. The Middle School English program is organised into term units that integrate three interrelated strands that support students' growing understanding and use of Standard Australian English. In the Senior years, the subject English is organised into term units that offer students opportunities to enjoy language and be empowered as purposeful, creative and critical language users who understand how texts can convey and transform personal and cultural perspectives.
Coordinator: Mrs Nicola Crawford
Studying another language and culture helps enrich and develop your mental flexibility and problem-solving abilities. It involves working and interacting sensitively with other people. These are important life skills that are also of great value to future vocations, in the workplace. The study of the French language, a widely-spoken international language of great historical significance, can also enrich your general knowledge and education, understanding and competencies in geography, history, human relations, gastronomy, science, ecology, technology, speech and even performance.
Coordinator: Mrs Thais Morgan-Pertus
LOTE (Languages Other Than English) has been identified as one of the Key Learning Areas and is currently a compulsory unit of study up to Year 10 in many state and private schools. The Japanese language is spoken by more than 125 million people and has been identified by the Commonwealth and State Governments as a language of economic importance to Australia. For Queensland, the study of Japanese is especially important, given the strong cultural, economic and political ties with Japan. Learning to communicate in Japanese deepens understanding of Japanese culture and society. In addition to the many cultural and education benefits of learning Japanese, St Joseph’s College has an excellent relationship with Konan Boys’ High School in Kobe, Japan and students who learn Japanese have the opportunity for real language exchange through this strong partnership.
Coordinator: Ms Kirsten Allingham
