Languages Update – Becoming a successful language learner

Year 12 Success Tips

The beginning of the year is no time to think about exams, right?! However, words of wisdom from those who have been through it are worth considering.

The Year 12 Class of 2020 said the following……..

I used to think……now I know

Alexander Shergold

I used to think the oral exam would be impossible, but now I know that if you put in the effort, work on your skills bit by bit each week, it becomes easier. I used to think I had to be perfect in French to do well; now I know that it’s all about putting in the effort, and drawing upon what I know”. Alexander Shergold, French Prize Winner, 2020

 

Romy Cantwell

I used to think that my goals were very far-fetched and that the oral was some far-off thing that would never really happen. Now I think (after completing the exam), that it’s very manageable and you have to tackle it head on and just work for it.” Isobel Tanner, 2020

“The Year 12 Curriculum itself is quite doable if you apply yourself and maintain focus. I encourage future Year 12 students to start the year with confidence and to maintain it throughout.” Romy Cantwell, School Dux 2020 & student of French

 

My advice to my younger self

If embarking on Year 12 again, they would advise ……..

“In my opinion it’s very important to go into Year 12 (French or Japanese or Chinese) with strong grammar and a readiness to learn and memorise new vocabulary.”

“Watch videos on YouTube and movies. Change Netflix movies to French (Japanese or Chinese) audio or subtitles. Speak to yourself around the house! Work on ALL skills (reading, vocab, listening, writing, speaking). The better base you have, the easier it is for SACs and the end of year exam. Don’t be hard on yourself. It’s a second language, not a first!”

“Try to read widely on the topics you are completing and immerse yourself in listening”

How to become a successful language learner

As part of the Staff professional learning in 2021 we will be articulating the thinking dispositions which students need to become successful learners.

Our Teaching for Thinking framework challenges us to ask ourselves: How do you Know Students are Thinking in my Classroom? Staff find that the use of ‘Thinking Routines’ which emerged from the Harvard Project Zero group, help frame and direct students’ thinking.

Last week Year 8 students were asked to identify a PLUS, a MINUS and something INTERESTING when thinking about Francophone communities around the world.

Year 8 staff are guiding students with targeted activities to improve their capacity to memorise. Students are also challenged to think about their own thinking to develop their capacity for reflection and metacognition. Here’s how students are responding.

Sasha Bindley says:

QUICK QUIZ “helps me remember what I learned in the lesson before.”

Sasha Bindley

Phoebe Lock says:

“I like Education Perfect, because the program speaks and that helps me with my pronunciation.”

Phoebe Lock

Phoebe Messum says:

“I use a calendar to block out my times. I also use my Record Book this year.”

Phoebe Messum

Matilda Talbot-Gibson says:

“Singing the ER verb rap helps me remember my verbs.”

Matilda Talbot-Gibson

 

 

Ms Anna Pianezze, Head of Languages