|
Inter-cultural language teaching
has a long and proud history at Gib Gate.
Addressing the power of learning in young children, their language of
play and games, their love of creative activities and their ease with singing and repetition, the teaching approach
of languages is predominantly image-based and experience-based. Recognising that children need to be exposed to
alternative languages from an early age, French is part of the lower primary area curriculum and Japanese classes form a strong part of the school day for all children in years 3 to 6.
Reading and writing are in the hiragana script and everyday language is used with ease and confidence by all children.
 
Annexed to classroom experiences, Gib Gate maintains a sister school relationship with
Hokuriku Gakuin Primary School
in Kanazawa, Japan -- a mountainous area some 2 hours north of Kyoto. Children from both schools visit each other
regularly and much attention is given by staff to the elements and habits of language, culture and people.
 |
In Australia, Japanese children are taken riding, bush dancing, to farms
and picnics and to the beach. In Japan, Australian children visit Kyoto, the Alps and country villages, make lacquered
boxes, paper, enjoy local festivals. In both visits, there are the homestays, different foods, using a new language
and taking on respect for another culture.
 |
Japanese has been taught from the start by Mary
Taguchi, graduate in languages from Sydney University, resident
teacher in Japan for many years and now a regular traveller with children from both countries.
|
