Languages

ようこそ Yōkoso! Study Japanese at Kent Street!
Learning languages other than English boosts students' understanding of society and communication through different cultural lenses. Students broaden their worldview through cultural enrichment activities while also deepening their understanding of the English language and it's conventions.

Students study Japanese language and culture from Year 7 with the possibility of ATAR and General Course in senior school. The school has strong ties with the Gold Educational tours and welcomes several groups of exchange students from all over Japan.

Languages operates from the fundamental principle that for all students, learning to communicate in two or more languages is a rich and challenging experience, encouraging students to engage with and participate in the linguistic and cultural diversity of our interconnected world. The curriculum builds upon students’ intercultural understanding and sense of identity as they are encouraged to explore and recognise their own linguistic, social, and cultural practices and identities as well as those associated with speakers of the language being learnt.

Aims

Communicate in the target language
Extend their literacy repertoires
Understand language, culture, learning and their relationship, and thereby develop an intercultural capability in communication
Develop understanding of and respect for diversity and difference, and an openness to different experiences and perspectives
Develop an understanding of how culture shapes worldviews and extend their understanding of themselves, their own heritage, values, culture and identity
Strengthen their intellectual, analytical and reflective capabilities, and enhance their creative and critical thinking skills
Understand themselves as communicators.

Senior School Courses offered in 2026

Japanese ATAR

The Japanese: Second Language ATAR course is designed to further develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the culture and the language of Japanese-speaking communities, providing them with opportunities to gain a broader and deeper understanding of Japanese and extend and refine their communication skills. The course focuses on the interrelationship of language and culture and equips students with the skills needed to function in an increasingly globalised society, a culturally and linguistically diverse local community, and provides them with the foundation for life- long language learning. Relevant and engaging tasks, delivered through a range of appropriate contexts and topics, develop literacy in the Japanese language as well as extend literacy development in English.

This course is a direct pathway to Curtin University which gives the students a bonus 10% on their final WACE score.

Japanese General

The Japanese: Second Language General Course is designed to enable students to gain knowledge and an understanding of the culture and the language of Japanese-speaking communities. The course focuses on the interrelationship of language and culture and equips students with the skills needed to function in an increasingly globalised society, a culturally and linguistically diverse local community, and provides them with the foundation for life-long language learning. Relevant and engaging tasks, delivered through a range of appropriate contexts and topics, develop literacy in the Japanese language as well as extend literacy development in English.