At Manorvale, we take pride in our diverse and inclusive school community. By learning languages other than their own spoken and written languages, students gain an appreciation for different cultures and communication styles.

 

The Italian program is bilingual and specifically designed to meet the needs of our students, based on the principles of content-based language learning. The program not only introduces children to "Italian things" but also encourages them to explore the multicultural society in which they live, fostering an appreciation for the backgrounds and cultures of all students. Recognising that students come with varying levels of language proficiency, the program is structured with multiple entry and exit points to support differentiated learning.

 

Authentic materials from Italy offer rich language models, enhancing the students' learning experience. The topics covered are directly related to the students' lives and interests, and the program is linked to the broader integrated curriculum. As students progress, the focus shifts to vocabulary development and grammatical understanding.

Initially, the program emphasises listening and speaking skills, alongside simple literacy activities. As students advance, they develop the ability to read and write simple sentences and phrases. The program adopts a flexible approach to accommodate different learning styles, with activities including songs, poetry, games, movement exercises, and multimedia tools.

 

Students also participate in incursions such as the Italian Play and cooking experiences.

In the upper years, students are encouraged to enter language competitions and engage in oral presentations to practice their speaking skills. They also have opportunities to showcase their language abilities during school assemblies and other events.