Melrose High School has a strong focus on languages and offers four choices for language studies. Languages offered in Years 7-10: Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, Japanese and French. The study of a foreign language is compulsory in Years 7 and 8 and students are strongly encouraged to continue as an elective in Years 9 and 10.
Each language offers a rich language and cultural experience. Studying another language not only supports further career choices and assists people with travel, but also broadens students’ intercultural understanding. All four language courses include cultural experiences and interactions with native language speakers.
The courses in Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and French are designed to help students of all abilities develop their communication skills. The school provides a range of experiences including overseas excursions and exchange programs (currently on hold) and visits to local or interstate attractions. There are strong links with the local primary schools as well as the colleges; therefore, students can successfully continue their studies in a chosen language.
Authentic learning is being achieved with our Sister Schools in Makubetsu, Japan and Min De Junior High School in Taiwan. Visits from these schools occur annually, with reciprocal visits to Japan every second year. There are also language and culture tours to Noumea and Singapore/Malaysia for students of French and Indonesian.
Enrichment Activities
- All language students are encouraged to participate in the annual ACER Languages Certificate tests
- Overseas and local excursions
- Language Institute Competitions: Japan Embassy Essay and Mandarin Speaking Contest
- Education Perfect World and Regional Championships
- Special language Fun Days, cultural productions, and cooking classes