Year 8 - Term 2

Welcome to the Japanese Department for Term two. In this article, we will be discussing the Year 8 Japanese curriculum and what students can expect to learn this Term.

In Year 8 Japanese, students explore the language and cultural practices related to sharing personal information about oneself and one's family. This includes learning about the language and behaviour that is appropriate for different types of relationships between speakers. By understanding these cultural nuances, students gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and the importance of language in building relationships.

Throughout the term, students continue to develop their language skills, with a focus on Hiragana and eight new Kanji characters with a in-depth study of Katakana. They learn how to use these characters in written and spoken communication, as well as in the context of exploring cities and towns in Japan, particularly Kyoto. Students also learn how to describe local attractions, features, experiences, and activities in Japanese.

All of these topics are explored within the theme of Japanese Yookai, which refers to supernatural creatures and spirits from Japanese folklore. By engaging with this theme, students gain an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Japan and its impact on modern Japanese society.

At our school, we believe that languages are a key component of global citizenship and enable communication in our increasingly interconnected world. By studying Japanese, students gain a deeper understanding of the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its people.

We are proud of the hard work and dedication that our Year 8 students put into their Japanese studies and look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the language.

Year 8 Students in Term 1 enjoying a Sushi Donut party for their hard work and early submissions of their assignments.

Year 10 - Recap of Term 1

Last Term the Year 10 Japanese class had an exciting, educational experience with their sushi train visit, which served as the culmination activity of their term-long study of Japanese language and culture. This event provided an opportunity for the students to put their knowledge of Japanese customs and etiquette to the test, while also indulging in some delicious sushi.

The students were able to enjoy a wide variety of sushi dishes, such as nigiri, maki, and sashimi. As they sampled each dish, they were encouraged to appreciate the texture and flavor of the sushi, as well as the cultural significance behind each ingredient.

Through this sushi train visit, the students gained a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and traditions. They learned about the importance of showing respect for the sushi chef, how to use chopsticks properly, and how to appreciate the artistry and beauty of sushi. They also gained an appreciation for the complexity and delicacy of Japanese cuisine.

Overall, the sushi train visit was a great success and an excellent way for the Year 10 Japanese class to celebrate the culmination of their study of Japanese culture and language. The experience left the students feeling more knowledgeable and culturally aware.

Did you know you can use the paper from the disposable chopsticks as a stand to avoid germs?

Here are some examples of how to fold the paper.

L-R: Scrunch like a prawn, The Stand, Fold as a Ribbon

The Japan Club's end of Term one celebrations included a fun origami workshop where members learned to fold traditional Japanese paper crafts.  The event was topped off with delicious treats such as Japanese apple candy and Panda cookies. The club members had a great time bonding over their shared loved for Japanese culture and enjoyed the festive atmosphere with lots of Japanese music.

Mrs Simone Wilson
Japenese Teacher
Simone_Wilson@shalomcollege.com