Languages by Distance Education - Beginners

Distance Education (D.E.) : Beginners Level. Separate Application Process and Enrolment Form

ATAR Course

Introduction

Second language study provides a powerful context within which to develop general competencies considered essential for the acquisition of effective, higher-order thinking skills necessary for further education, work and everyday life. The ability to communicate in a second language, in conjunction with other skills, provides students with enhanced vocational opportunities in many areas such as trade, tourism, banking, technology and education.

For Whom is the Course Intended?

This course is for senior secondary students who have little or no previous knowledge of the target language. It is for students who have not studied the target language in Stage 5. If a student has studied the language for more than 100 hours in Stages 4/5 they are ineligible.

The Beginners Level Courses are a 2 Unit Course.  Students who complete this Course for the HSC may be admitted to the second year at University.

Pre-Requisites

An interest in the language and culture of the country, eg France, Germany, Italy, Spain.

Content

Year 11 and Year 12

The course is constructed around the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.  The development of the ability to understand the spoken language and to communicate orally in the topic areas prescribed, comprise half the allocated marks in the assessment.

The main course aims are to develop the student’s:

  • ability to use the language to communicate with others.
  • understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which the language is used.
  • cognitive, learning and social skills.
  • ability to apply the language to work, further study, training or leisure.

The major themes are:

  • Family Life, Home & Neighbourhood
  • People, Place & Communities
  • Education & Work
  • Friends, Recreation & Pastimes
  • Holidays, Travel & Tourism
  • Future Plans & Aspirations

Assessment

Year 11: Assessment components and their weightings are based on the Year 12 course assessment components.

The HSC Examination will consist of two parts:

  • Oral Examination (approximately 5 minutes)
  • Listening and Written Examination (approximately 2½ hours)

The internally marked assessment tasks could take a variety of forms, which will assess the performance of the student in each of the skills areas : listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Four to six such tasks will be used throughout the Year 11 and Year 12 Courses.

(Accurate at time of printing and subject to the individual D.E. provider.)

Costs

Distance Education Annual Fee is $800, payable BEFORE enrolment in Distance Education is processed. Enrolment is not automatic, places are limited. Late entries are not accepted.

Other Costs: Students of LOTE must have access to a CD/MP3 player or alternative.

All information on this page is correct at the this time but may be subject to change.