LANGUAGES

Computer laboratory specifically for language teaching.

Regular sessions with specialist native-speaker Conversation Teachers provide boys with authentic opportunities to use their communicative language skills

Welcome to the Language Department

The study of a Language Other Than English (LOTE) to a higher degree of competence is highly recommended for young people in today's increasingly competitive world.

Newington College offers French, German, Japanese (in Year 7 ) Chinese (from Year 8) and Latin to boys wishing to further their knowledge of a LOTE. Newington offers the latest language teaching methodologies and technological resources to boys.

Resources include a computer laboratory specifically for language teaching and learning, CD-ROMS and audio CDs, interactive Internet-based classes and activities, satellite TV programs from around the world and an excellent variety of texts and activity books.

Additionally, regular sessions with specialist native-speaker Conversation Teachers provide boys with authentic opportunities to use their communicative language skills.

The Head of Languages, Ms Leonie Wasson, can be contacted on 9568 9376.

Tours and Exchanges

The school encourages boys to have direct contact with the culture of the countries represented in the Language program.

Exchanges are encouraged and regular trips are made to France, Germany and China. For students of Latin, trips to Graeco-Roman sites are planned from time to time.

The highly qualified and experienced staff are well able to cope with the organisation and leading of these trips, which always generate much interest and enthusiasm.

In 2003 boys visited the Alliance Française Cultural centre and the Goethe Institut for Language-specific workshops and conversation with background speakers.
Students enjoyed lunch at French restaurants – The Little Snail and La Guillotine. Boys savoured escargots (snails!) in garlic butter, poulet aux champignons and mousse au chocolat, whilst being taught correct French etiquette when à table.

Also, in 2003, five German exchange students staying with Newington families attended our German classes and helping the boys to perfect their language skills. It was been fascinating for boys to hear about the difference in teenage lifestyles in Germany: for example, how keen young German people are to meet in cafés to discuss current issues.