Language is a skill for life, useful in both business and travel. Learning a language offers new challenges and has been proven to help people develop their thinking skills.

Geraldine High School knows it is important to respect the cultural diversity that surrounds us and has three languages that it currently offers to our students. The German, French and Te Reo Māori courses introduce students to the fun and challenge of learning to communicate in a new language. Through learning a new language, students are encouraged to open their minds to the world around them and to the new opportunities these present. Our Languages Department aims to offer as many opportunities as possible for you to interact with speakers of different languages. We offer trips and cultural exchanges (including exchanges to Las Victorias in Argentina) as well as opportunities for students studying Te Reo Māori to participate in marae visits, huis and kapa haka.

We understand the varied cultural diversity of our community and may be able to offer other language combinations.

German

Year 9

Code: 9GER

What this course involves:

Year 9 German is a continuation from Year 8 German. It allows you to continue to develop your skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing German.

You will participate in activities such as listening to authentic texts, practising conversations, reading and writing German texts and testing your knowledge through quizzes, games and songs.

By the end of Year 9 German you will be able to greet and farewell people, to communicate basic information about yourself and others, including your family and friends. You will learn to count from 0-100 and to talk about birthdays. You will be able to discuss your likes and dislikes and talk about your home, your pets, colours and the weather. You will be able to order some food in a German restaurant.

Year 10

Code: 10GER

What this course involves:

Year 10 German is a year long continuation from Year 9 German. It allows you to build upon skills learnt in Year 9, as well as prepare you to progress to NCEA Level 1 German. You will participate in activities such as listening to authentic texts, practising conversations, reading and writing German texts and testing your knowledge through quizzes, games and songs.

By the end of Year 10 German you will be able to communicate about your home, your school, your holidays, your time with family and friends, and your habits and routines. You will have learned to talk about past activities as well as appointments and plans in the future. You will be able to discuss the quality, quantity, and cost of things in order to go shopping or to buy food in a restaurant or cafe. You will be able to describe, compare, and contrast people, places, and things. You will also get to extend your knowledge of Germany and the German culture.

Pre-requisite: Y9 German, or permission from Ms Tremmel

French

Year 9

Code: 9FRE

What this course involves:

Year 9 French is an introduction to the French language for two terms. You will participate in speaking activities and learn how to have short conversations in French. The course will allow you to listen to authentic French texts and to read and write French texts. You will also participate in quizzes, games and songs to practise your French language skills.

By the end of Year 9 French you will be able to greet people and to describe yourself and others. You will have learnt to have short conversations about yourself, your family and your pets. You will be able to count from 0-100 and to talk about your birthday.

Year 10

Code: 10FRE

What this course involves:

Year 10 French is a year long continuation from Year 9 French. It will allow you to build upon skills learnt in Year 9, as well as prepare you to progress to NCEA Level 1 French. You will participate in activities such as listening to authentic texts, practising conversations, reading and writing French texts and testing your knowledge through quizzes, games and songs.

By the end of Year 10 French you will be able to have conversations about yourself, your family and friends in more depth. You will be able to describe your home and a typical day in your life. You will have learnt to give an opinion in French and to discuss your likes and dislikes. You will be able to ask for directions and to order food in a French restaurant.

Pre-requisite: Y9 French, or permission from Ms Tremmel

Te Reo Māori

What is Te Reo Māori?

Māori is one of the official languages of New Zealand and an integral part of this country’s culture. There are numerous reasons to learn Māori from personal enjoyment to career requirements. Whatever it may be, learning Te Reo Māori will not only provide great satisfaction, but a greater connection with New Zealand and an enhanced understanding of our culture and society.

Year 9

Code: 9MAO

What this course involves:

This is a course for beginners. Students are introduced to basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills using everyday Te Reo Māori. You will learn how to greet people, communicate basic information about yourselves and others, including weather, colours, birthdays, family and their home. You will also learn how to communicate about roles and responsibilities on the marae, time, body parts, food and shopping.

Year 10

Code: 10MAO

What this course involves:

Year 10 Te Reo is a year long course and will expand on Year 9 with a range of themes and skills which will be practiced through listening, speaking, reading and writing in Māori.

Māori culture is also investigated to give students a broad understanding of the different dialects and customs where Māori is spoken. Communication activities are emphasised throughout.

Pre-requisite: Y9 Maori, or permission from Whaea Jordyn.

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