Subject in Focus – Japanese
Japanese has had a great start of the year. Classes are full of engaged, enthusiastic students who are ready to learn their second, third, or even fourth language!
For all grades, the term has started with self-introductions. Whether learning for the first time, reviewing, or expanding, students are practicing the essential skills needed to communicate in Japanese. At the end of the term, year 7 students will make a self-introduction PowerPoint, year 8 students will write and perform a speech, and year 9/10 students will be interviewed, showing that they can apply their knowledge under pressure.
Outside of language skills, students have also had a chance to engage in some cultural learning. The year 8 cohort read the story of Sasaki Sadoko and the thousand paper cranes, learning more about the impact of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings in World War II. To celebrate peace, each student made a paper crane, just like the ones from the story. March 3rd was Hinamatsuri or the girl’s day festival in Japan. The year 7 students learned about this day, why it is important, and the way people celebrate. The students then used origami to make emperor and empress dolls, just like the ones displayed in Japanese homes. As the year continues, students will have many opportunities to learn about different festivals from Japan and participate in many ways.
Students of Japanese can look forward to enhancing and expanding their Japanese skills and cultural knowledge during 2025.
Crystal Coleman-Cox
