Year 10 Japanese

Course objectives
This course builds on the foundation laid in Year 9. Students extend their understanding and use of basic vocabulary and structures and increase their knowledge and awareness of aspects of Japanese culture. The aim is to increase students’ competence in listening, reading, writing and speaking in Japanese and to build their confidence and sense of achievement in using the language.

Course content
The course focuses on the katakana alphabet system, cultural understanding and language in use in everyday situations. However, a greater understanding of structures is developed and the learning of vocabulary. The use of the te-form grammar is an essential component. The communication topics are:
• Family members/pets
• Leisure
• House
• Describing people/ability
• Ordering food
• Shopping

Assessment
Regular evaluation targets will be on listening, reading, writing and speaking skills as well as vocabulary acquisition. A topic-based examination assessing competence in language skills and cultural knowledge is also included.

Where does the course lead?
The Year 10 course leads to NCEA Level 1 Japanese in Year 11.

A school trip to Japan will be organized every two or three years if there are sufficient numbers of interested students. This trip enables students to experience the wonders of Japan and use their language in an authentic context.