LOTE
LOTE in Years 7-10 is based on the CSF II with a growing focus on the following Victorian Essential Learning Standards Dimensions:
Communicating in a language other than English
The skills of this dimension include listening, speaking, reading, viewing, writing and the use of body language, visual cues and signs. The application of these skills requires knowledge of linguistic elements, including vocabulary and grammar. This dimension requires familiarity with a wide variety of texts, genres and digital media.
Intercultural knowledge and language awareness
This dimension develops knowledge of the connections between language and culture, and how culture is embedded throughout the communication system. Progress is demonstrated through performance in the language being studied, including comparisons with other languages.
Forest Hill College currently offers three languages other than English:
Mandarin Chinese: Years 8-12 (including First Language and Second Language at VCE)
French: Years 7-12
German: Years 7-12 (including Extension German at Years 7-9)
It is College policy that all students study a Language Other Than English until the end of Year 9. Each LOTE is then offered as a full-year elective at Year 10, and may be studied in VCE Units 1 to 4.
In VCE LOTE courses follow the latest study designs.
Year 7 and 8 French and German- LOTE Pathway 2 Level 4
Students are introduced to simple, everyday French or German within the context of familiar topics such as family, pets, friends, time, school, daily routine, pastimes, likes and dislikes. They begin to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing through involvement varied learning activities. They also learn to express their own views and ideas. Students make regular use of ICT activities such as word-processing, powerpoint presentations, interactive quizzes and games, and simple internet research. Thy learn about different aspects of French or German culture, geography and history, making comparisons with Australia and other countries associated with the languages they have previously studied.
Year 7 and 8 Extension German- LOTE Pathway 2 Level 4
Students build on the knowledge and skills they have developed at primary school, within the context of familiar topics such as family, pets, friends, time, school, daily routine, pastimes, likes and dislikes. They begin to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing through involvement varied learning activities. They also learn to express their own views and ideas. Students make regular use of ICT activities such as word-processing, powerpoint presentations, interactive quizzes and games, and simple internet research. They learn about different aspects of French or German culture, geography and history, making comparisons between German speaking countries and Australia.
Year 9 and 10
Students in Year 9 must undertake a LOTE for the full year.
Students in Year 10 may elect to do a LOTE as a full year study.
Three LOTE subjects are offered in VCE:
French
German
Mandarin Chinese - First and Second language
The year 11 and 12 courses follow the study design. The dimensions of Communicating in a language other than English and Intercultural knowledge and language awareness will have some flow through effect into the implementation of these courses in the classroom.
Course descriptions of these studies are available in the Senior School Handbook online.
The Society for Australian-German Students Exchange (SAGSE) is a student exchange organisation founded in 1967, which has now sent more than 1500 students on exchange, including Forest Hill College student Taurin Eimermacher in 2007-8.
In 2009, the SAGSE and the Australian German Students’ Society will again be welcoming a group of German students to Victoria in mid June, for a stay of approximately ten weeks, until late August. The German students, between 16 and 18 years of age, will live with a host family and go to school with their host sibling. There are many benefits and rewards to be gained from the experience of hosting an overseas student, and host families are assured of a constant support network from the organisation coordinators, to ensure that all goes well!
Win a SAGSE Scholarship! Host students are given an automatic preliminary interview for the chance to win a scholarship and travel to Germany between November and February after their Year 11 or 12 studies.
If your family is interested in hosting a German student, please access the following attachments below, or alternatively, please contact Frau Connor on 9814 9444 to obtain further details regarding the SAGSE Exchange program.
