Year 9 Languages Induction Program: Being Multilingual Matters
As a Languages faculty, we are deeply passionate about instilling in our students the profound advantages of acquiring a second language, all while celebrating the diverse linguistic backgrounds of our already-multilingual student body. Each year, as a special introduction for our new language learners in Year 9, students actively participate in the MacRob Languages Induction program.
Over the first few weeks of Year 9 language classes, teachers guide students through a series of in-class activities, fostering reflection, critical thinking, and discussions on the merits and challenges of studying a foreign language. The program's objective is to cultivate an appreciation among students for the skills, attributes, and intercultural understanding that the study of any foreign language can impart.
As the culmination of the induction program, students collaborate to create research posters that showcase their insights into the benefits of multilingualism. These posters become entries in a school-wide competition, where each Connect class nominates the most outstanding poster from their group. The winning posters earn the privilege of being prominently displayed throughout the school, showcasing the collective achievements of our language learners and informing the school community about the benefits of being multilingual.
The 2024 Connect Group posters: Winning Poster - 9D, produced by Amelia, Ann, Huong, Takdir, and Vania.
To help provide some insights into the Languages induction program we have some student reflections about their learning experience:
Second Language Poster Reflections
As I reflect on the process of creating the poster on the benefits of learning a second language, I realised it was a really valuable learning experience that was enjoyable, but also provided me with a depth of insights and newfound knowledge.
While our group was creating our poster, we understood the importance of research. In order to effectively communicate the benefits of learning a second language, I had to delve into various studies, articles, and resources to gather credible and up-to-date information. This not only enhanced my knowledge on the advantages of bilingualism but also underscored the significance of presenting well-supported arguments.
The creative aspect of designing the poster challenged me to think visually and consider the best ways to allow our poster to catch the viewers' eye at first glance. Selecting appropriate images, choosing a compelling layout, and incorporating engaging graphics were crucial elements in ensuring that the poster would be visually appealing.
In conclusion, the ‘benefits of learning a second language’ poster was an amazing task, in which I learnt many skills and had lots of fun!
Vandana R (9I)
This assignment gave me the opportunity to research the topic of language learning with a holistic approach. I learnt many fun facts and a few surprising statistics – such as how language learning can physically alter your brain. Consequently, I believe that I will be better in applying myself in German classes out of a newfound motivation to learn a foreign language. Additionally, I will become more open minded to immersing myself in new cultures through language. Overall, without this assignment, I never would have thought that language learning could be so beneficial.
Grace Z (9I)
Want some more insights into the benefits of being multilingual? See some great TED talks the students viewed as part of the induction program:
The benefits of a bilingual brain | Mia Nacamulli
How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky
Learning a Second Language | Shinyoung Grace Kim | TEDxYouth@AISR
The Importance of Learning a Second Language | Karina Morey | TEDxYouth@FHS
Languages Clubs at MacRob: Interested in engaging more deeply with the Language you’re studying? Looking for like minded students and additional languages fun outside of class? Keep your eyes peeled for the Language clubs starting soon!
Ashlea Douglas | Domain Leader for Languages