Chinese Second Language (ATAR)
Course Outline
This course is available to students who have met the School Curriculum and Standards
Authority’s criteria for Second Language Eligibility.
This course provides students with opportunities to develop their communication skills
in written and spoken Chinese, developing a wider vocabulary and introducing more
complex grammar structures. The topics covered will relate to teenage life in China and
Australia (Unit 1: The Chinese Way) and travel (Unit 2: Travel – Let’s Go). These units
will be explored through the nationally required themes of The Individual, The Chinese
Speaking Community and The Changing World.
The study of a second language at this level will have particular relevance for students
wishing to pursue careers in, for example, the fields of business, defence, diplomatic
services, engineering, finance and foreign exchange, customs and excise, law, media,
advertising, banking, police, health, education, public relations, hospitality and travel.
The increasing number of organisations operating at an international level means that
knowledge of a second language and awareness of cultural differences is useful in almost
all professional fields.
Desirable Qualifications
A high degree of interest in and enthusiasm for the Chinese language is required. Students
should have a willingness to challenge themselves, to experiment and to learn from
mistakes. A good level of English literacy is an asset. The confidence to use their Chinese
in conversation with each other, teachers and background speakers will be developed.
Language practice is vital to any language course, so students should be prepared to
commit time each day to their language studies beyond class time.
Formal Prerequisites
• A minimum of a C grade in Year 10 Chinese though an A or a B grade is preferable.
Contact:
Mr James Cheah
Head of Languages Faculty
[email protected]
Assessment Profile
Assessment types include: Oral Communication, Response (tasks that involve
demonstrating comprehension of texts in Mandarin and responding to them and the texts
may be written or visual materials), and Written Communication (tasks such as writing
letters, reports, diary entries or narrative accounts).
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