Languages is a thriving area of Hamilton Girls’ High School. We offer French, Japanese and Spanish from Year 9 to 13. Trips to countries speaking these languages are undertaken on a regular basis. There are opportunities to take part in language learning camps, to attend film festivals and to visit restaurants.
Our aim is to create global citizens who are sensitive to other people, who through their understanding of other cultures and people develop greater tolerance of individual and cultural differences.
Year 9 students all study at least one language for two terms. They learn to communicate basic personal information, and explore cultural ideas and traditions.
Year 10 Languages courses develop the foundations for further language study, by extending the knowledge gained in Year 9 into other areas of interest such as food, leisure, school life, home and family.
NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 students gain further competency across a wide range of topics and are able to communicate their ideas, opinions and attitudes, and support or challenge the views of others.
The multitude of skills gained from learning languages are valued by employers and will be useful in many careers and life experiences.
(Learning Languages Whakataukī, New Zealand Curriculum, 2007)
