The choices are endless in Japan!

In Year 9 Japanese, the focus turns to the mastery of the Katakana script and the rigorous practise of Kanji characters. Extended writing and word processing skills also become a more intense part of the program.

In Term 1, Year 9 students focus their Japanese studies around the topic of Shopping. They learn vocabulary surrounding a role play of shopping in Japan. They examine some culturally specific language particular to Japan. They spend some time investigating Japanese shops and department stores and how Japanese teenagers enjoy spending their time. They write a script outlining a short Japanese shopping experience which will be performed to the class. Following the Shopping unit of inquiry, the Year 9 students will consolidate their Hiragana and Katakana writing skills. In Term 2, students begin to specifically learn the Japanese script of Katakana. They learn about the uses of this script and how to write English words into Katakana. They also learn how to read the script and translate Katakana words into English.

In Term 3, to coincide with the integrate SOSE/Maths unit of inquiry, the Year 9 Japanese unit of inquiry is Travel. Students create several pieces of Japanese text to advertise travel destinations such as a powerpoint and website. Students learn to type in both Hiragana and Katakana script and practise word processing skills in Japanese. During Term 4, students participate in a unit titled Home Life – Family and Pets. In this unit of inquiry, students study vocabulary relating to their home life such as family, pets, friends and spare time. Speaking and listening skills are a focus for this term as well as the continued practise of Hiragana and Katakana reading and writing skills.