L.O.T.E (Languages Other Than English)
LOTE at LSC goes back many years and has a proud record of foreign language instruction across a range of languages. Currently the college offers the Indonesian language at years 7 & 8 and elective courses in Indonesian at years 9-12. Language instruction at LSC puts equal importance on inter-cultural awareness of the LOTE speaking communities and rigorous academic progression through the essential skill areas of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of the target language in preparation for the VCAA prescribed VCE LOTE courses.
Leongatha Secondary College is a strong believer in the importance of foreign language learning for ALL students. We believe as the process of globalisation continues and the information revolution picks up speed, foreign language proficiency will become more, rather than less relevant for our future citizens.
The college is fully supportive of the promotion of its LOTE program and sees the benefits of learning languages as:
- enhancing literacy skills of ALL learners
- building confidence
- encouraging cultural awareness, tolerance and understanding
- teaching students to be thinkers and problem-solvers
- enhancing future job opportunities as well as expanding life opportunities and experiences
In pursuit of these goals the LOTE staff employ a broad range of teaching methods and learning technologies aimed at catering for a wide range of abilities and interests in our students. Overseas “cultural immersion” tours have been conducted to both Malaysia and Japan. We have run many successful tours to Malaysia in which students have been involved in many practical workshops, bargaining in the local markets and hiking within Malaysia’s National Parks. The college also offers a ‘Southbound’ exchange program. This involves Indonesian students in years 10 and 11 who visit and stay with a local family for a period of 6 weeks. This experience has proven to be invaluable to both the Indonesian students and families involved and the school and local community.
The college also maintains a highly treasured sister school relationship with Toyama Daiichi High School in Toyama Japan. For a number of years our students have enjoyed “home-stay” tours to Toyama and the opportunity to live life as a Japanese student would for a period of three weeks, sometimes longer. Reciprocal tours have occurred over the same period and local families have acted as Australian hosts to students from our sister school in Toyama. The relationship will remain a valued part of the LOTE program and our schools character.
Parents can play a vital role in their child’s learning of a language. There are many ways to support and encourage students at home in order to further their progress. If any parent or guardian is looking for ideas or advice in this regard, please don’t hesitate to contact the LOTE staff at the college.