Students at Mayfield State School are equipped to become global citizens through the study of Japanese culture and language.
Japanese is currently taught to students in Years 1 through to Year 6, through a variety of approaches. One such approach is the “Comprehensible Input" method, in which students are immersed in language that is largely familiar, and are gradually exposed to new language. This allows students to become more confident language users and experience success.
Students at Mayfield benefit from a variety of cultural activities, such as our annual Japanese Cultural Day, regular online exchanges with our Japanese sister school, Nishikanazawa Gakuen, and occasional international visits. Such opportunities enable students to test their language knowledge and skills in authentic contexts.
Regardless of whether or not students decide to visit or work in Japan, the skills and knowledge cultivated though language study are transferable to other areas of study and have far-reaching benefits, such as:
- helps with understanding other languages including English
- cognitive skills (e.g. pattern recognition, logical thinking)
- improved results in other subject areas shows that students who learn another language do better in other subjects as well)
- memory-building techniques
- empathy and understanding of other cultures
- deeper understanding of own culture
- develops social and international capabilities
- increases enjoyment of Japanese anime, music and movies!
Above all, learning about other languages and cultures is interesting, and is an important part of a well-rounded education.