Languages Oral Exams

For our students who study a language in VCE, the Oral Examination is one of the biggest challenges. These took place in the first two weeks of Term 4. During the exam, students of Chinese, Japanese and French spoke for 15 minutes on topics of General Knowledge (family, school, leisure, future plans) and on a prepared topic. While the final performance should appear natural and impromptu, it is actually the result of many months of planning, writing and speaking. In fact, it is the culmination of their six years of language learning: all those grammar tests, oral assessments and informal conversations.

Provided below are the reflections of our Year 12 cohort after having completed this component of their Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority examination: what they learned, how they managed the exam and what advice they have to share with younger students studying a language.

Before

“I am afraid that I will get into the Oral and forget how to speak French.”

“I did not put much emphasis on speaking Chinese during Units 1/2, which I now know will be one of my biggest mistakes.”

“You have more potential than you think, but do not think you will get the results you want if you do not put in the effort. Effort equals results.”

“Talking about the Detailed Study is actually exciting because who does not love talking about feminism?”

“I have a really big fear of public speaking, so this has been a major focus of 2019 for me.”

“I am extremely grateful for all the help and countless oral practice sessions we have been fortunate enough to have and for the supportive teachers in my Chinese learning journey.”

Lucy Gray and Henrietta Paterson undergo a mock Oral.

After

“You have to take a moment to be calm. It is not life or death.” – Indiana Wilde.

“It is hard to imagine this before experiencing it first-hand but nobody is trying to fail you; the examiners just want you to do your best. Do not worry if their questions take you off track. Just take a second, compose yourself and find a way to link it back to what you know.” – Harriette Dryden. 

“They asked me a couple of questions I did not understand. But when I asked for clarification in Chinese, the questions made sense and I was able to answer them with confidence.” – Rachel Davidson.

“I was surprised with how easy and comfortable I felt in the exam due to all the practice I had done both in and out of class in the lead up. The direction of the questions is never going to go exactly as you want, but that is the challenge and the beauty of it. You just have to find a way to work around it and present what you know.” – Flynn O’Brien.                                                                                                                                                                         

Flynn O’Brien refining her responses prior to the exam.

China Study Tour

During the September School holidays, a group of Year 8 students travelled to China with Ms Winnie Xie and Mrs Sue Collister. Some, but not all students, are currently studying Chinese. A highlight of the tour was a visit to our Sister School, The Olive Tree Academy, where staff and students alike were warmly welcomed.

We are proud of the behaviour of our students who looked impeccable in their St Catherine’s uniforms. Students attended classes, went to a school assembly and shared lunch with their peers. There was, of course, great benefit for those students currently studying Chinese. They were keen and able to use their language, speak with the local teachers and learn new characters. Do not forget that students have the opportunity to return to Olive Tree on exchange. Applications are now open for students who will be in Years 10 or 11 in 2020 to participate in a reciprocal exchange. Please email me for further information: apianezze@stcatherines.net.au.

Below are some reflections of the girls who participated in the China tour.

What connection do you see between travelling to China and your study of the Chinese language?
The connection between travelling to China and the study of Chinese language is that everything that we have learnt in the three years at St Catherine’s School was used on the China trip, and we were able to understand a lot of what the Chinese people were saying, which is really amazing. – Isabella Bez (Year 9).

What is your opinion of our Sister School, Olive Tree?
All the children at the school were beyond friendly, from their welcome signs to adorable presents: they were constantly inviting us into their school life. The school’s facilities were amazing and they even have their own stationery shop! Spending a day in their classrooms was really inspiring, especially their Mathematics classes. – Cara Uzunovski (Year 9).

What was the highlight of the tour for you?
My favourite part of the trip was seeing the Kung Fu show. This was because it was something we do not often see in Melbourne, because it is a part of Chinese tradition and culture. In Australia, Kung Fu may be seen as a violent sport, whereas in China, it is more of an art form rather than a method of self defence. – Cara Uzunovski (Year 9).

Name one cultural difference between Australian and Chinese life which you noticed.
One cultural difference between Australian and Chinese life which I noticed was at dinner time, when they only drink hot water, not cold water, as we do in Australia. – Georgia Stoupas (Year 9).

Visiting the Summer Palace were Year 9 students Georgia Stoupas, Cara Uzunovski, Jasmine Glass, Isabella Bez, Mary Kellis and Madeleine Farrer.

Being reincarnated as Chinese warriors are Year 8 students Chloe Shergold, Lily Maisano and Millicent Brown.