Chinese (First Language)

Year-Long Elective Unit

Prerequisites

This subject is designed for students whose first language is Chinese.

Course Description

The goal of this course is to provide a pathway for the future study of Chinese Language in either IB or VCE. The subject focusses on fostering critical and analytical thinking. It enables students to consolidate their knowledge in both components of the course, studying Language and literature in order to improve comprehension skills.

Students learn to read, organise and analyse information from texts on a series of themes. Meanwhile, the students’ oral presentation skills are improved by participating in classroom discussions, debates and formal presentations.

Essential Questions

How does the world work in Chinese-speaking countries?
How does life in Chinese-speaking countries differ from life in Australia?
How can we build our awareness of inherent similarities and differences between Languages?

Areas of Study

Personal world.
Personal beliefs.
School, education and family in China.
Chinese culture and arts.
Contemporary Chinese literature, theatre and poetry.
Food culture.
Chinese mythology.
Women’s literature.
Environmental and social issues.

Assessment

Task	Description
Listening	Listening tasks designed to demonstrate comprehension of information and meaning in a range of text types.
Speaking	Participation in speeches, debates, presentations and discussions to share information, opinions and experiences.
Reading	Reading tasks designed to demonstrate comprehension of information and meaning in a range of text types.
Writing	Writing tasks that reflect the conventions of various text types.
Semester Examination	Oral and written examinations testing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.