Languages

Learning a language is fun and exciting. It also has tremendous benefits for young people at school and in life. According to research, the best time to start speaking a second language is early in life, and at Safety Bay Senior High School, we provide this opportunity for students in Years 7 and 8. In these years, it is compulsory for students to study either German or Indonesian. From Year 9, students are encouraged to continue learning a second language by continuing in the subject as one of their electives.

The Importance of Learning a Second Language

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Enhances Literacy Skills
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Improves memory and brain function
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Helps develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
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Fosters respect and understanding of other cultures
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Improves overall performance at school
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Creates employment and career opportunities
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Enhances travel experiences

Enhances Literacy Skills

Children develop a better understanding of English when they study a new language. They become more aware of grammar, conjugation and sentence structures. This helps them understand how English works, enhances their comprehension and accelerates their ability to read and write.

Improves memory and brain function

Learning a language strengthens the area of the brain responsible for memory, speech and sensory perception.

Helps develop critical thinking and problem solving skills

Learning a language enables children to analyse information and solve problems better as they can select relevant information and ignore irrelevant or misleading information.

Fosters respect and understanding of other cultures

Learning a new language nurtures curiosity and openness in children. They become aware of new cultures, and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of other people and customs that are different to their own.

Improves overall performance at school

Studies show that bilingual and multilingual children outperform other children who speak only one language. Academic results indicate this is especially true in reading, vocabulary and maths.

Creates employment and career opportunities

More and more companies are seeking staff who can speak more than one language. Bilingual staff are valued for their ability to communicate in the languages of their business partners and to cross important cultural barriers.

Enhances travel experiences

A person who is able to speak the language of the country they are visiting has more opportunities to enjoy the local culture.

German and Indonesian Second Language Courses

Language courses are aimed at students for whom the language is a second (or subsequent) language.

Students will study various basic languages on everyday topics and learn about daily life, customs and traditions in the target countries. They will make comparisons between those countries and their own. The situational language they learn could help them communicate better in the language of the countries of their studies.

Students will engage in listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing activities to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the language.

Subject Offerings

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 (Elective)
German German German
Indonesian Indonesian Indonesian

Handbooks and Publications

View and download our school handbooks, policies, publications and other documents for access to everything you need to know about settling into and making the most of your time at Safety Bay Senior High School.