Japanese Immersion Robina High, 2008

WHY? “To remain monolingual is to stunt your educational development and to restrict your communication and thinking abilities.” Edward Trimnell Why Learn languages and How, 2005

To increase global understanding "... [E]ffective communication and successful negotiations with a foreign partner--whether with a partner in peacekeeping, a strategic economic partner, a political adversary, or a non-English speaking contact in a critical law enforcement action--requires strong comprehension of the underlying cultural values and belief structures that are part of the life experience of the foreign partner." Dr. Dan Davidson, President of the American Councils on International Education

2. To improve employment potential Companies that plan to do business abroad have a dire need for bilingual or multilingual employees. Multiple government agencies, the travel industry, engineering, communications, the field of education, international law, economics, public policy, publishing, advertising, entertainment, scientific research, and an broad array of service sectors all have needs for people with foreign language skills. Gold Coast/QLD/Australia still values Japanese communication ability.

3. To increase native language ability Foreign language learners have stronger vocabulary skills in English, a better understanding of the language, and improved literacy in general. Higher reading achievement in the native language as well as enhanced listening skills and memory have been shown to correlate with extended foreign language study. These results are apparent in several studies as well as in test scores. With each additional year of foreign language instruction taken a student's scores … improve incrementally.

4. To sharpen cognitive skills "We have strong evidence today that studying a foreign language has a ripple effect, helping to improve student performance in other subjects." - Richard Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education under Bill Clinton

cognitive skills continued … People who have learned foreign languages show greater cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, and higher order thinking skills, such as problem-solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning. Memory skills develop through foreign language learning

Improved study habits … “ The sustained, cumulative nature of language learning means the development of sound study habits and a better understanding of how to learn …..”. “People … (now) recognise that … subjects that demand little or no intellectual effort, have next to no homework and are entertaining or rewarding in an immediate sense, now dominate the curriculum.” This can have an adverse affect on the development of good study habits. Fiona Mueller Learning languages in Australia - too much like hard work?Learning languages in Australia - too much like hard work?

WHAT? Immersion Programs teach 50-60% of the curriculum in the target language. The language is the tool to teach the academic program. The CURRICULUM is paramount, the language is the tool of the curriculum.

Current Immersion Programs GOLD COAST French – Benowa High Chinese – Varsity College QUEENSLAND German, French, Indonesian, Chinese JAPANESE Robina will be the only Japanese Immersion Program in Australia- in fact the only known Japanese Immersion Program in the world…

WHO will study? 1 class of 25 ABLE year 8’s 1 class of 25 ABLE year 9’s WHAT IS ABLE ? Academically above average Interested in Japanese language Diligent study ethic Capable of coping with challenge

WHO will teach? Teachers who have knowledge of Queensland Curriculum and who are fluent in Japanese. A male and a female A native speaker and a non-native speaker

THE CURRICULUM KLAYEAR 8YEAR 9 Maths Science LOTEJapanese Technology Digital ArtComputers NON IMMERSION English, Music/Drama SOSE, HPE English, Arts SOSE, HPE

Time in Japan 6 – 10 weeks With Robina Staff support to monitor welfare Cost about $3500 Immersion Account for funds – homestay

LAPTOPS If you have a laptop- you may use it as a stand alone resource in the classroom GLOBAL IME will be useful Printing will need to occur via USB and normal school log on

Student Testimonials “Immersion requires a certain amount of study.. and that carries on into other classes.. it has certainly been beneficial”. Jack, Year 10, French Immersion, Benowa High “The great thing…is that you don’t have other (less able) children to slow you down…and the learning process is accelerated”. Eve, Year 10, French Immersion, Benowa High

Student Testimonials “When I don’t understand something – it isn’t any different than when you don’t understand in English..you just put up your hand and ask for help…it has been a lot easier than I expected it would be.” Ellora, Year 8 Chinese Immersion, Varisty College “Studying Maths & SOSE in Chinese has affected my results positively….because I have had to concentrate harder.” Brianna, Year 8 Chinese Immersion,Varisty College

Student Testimonials Most of the students who receive awards at our school studied the immersion course in years 8 -10…. Immersion students find Year 11 & 12 easy, because we have already learnt good study habits and developed good cognitive skills. Alannah, French Immersion, School Captain, Benowa High

So, again, why? “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains it’s original dimensions” Oliver Wendell Holmes