LOTE stands for Language Other Than English.

All children in Grades 3 to 6 study LOTE.  Specialist teachers are employed to take LOTE classes.  The school has also developed links with Chinese schools through the International Schools Division of the Department of Education and Training.  Spring Gully Primary School annually hosts students from Nanjing Province.

• Grades 3 and 4 children will receive one (1) hour of LOTE (German) per week.
• Grades 5 and 6 children will receive one (1) hour of LOTE per week, which will include German, and exposure to Indonesian and Asian languages.
• Grades Prep through to 2 have no specific LOTE classes, but will be taught some basic German in their Art time.

How does Spring Gully Integrate LOTE into the curriculum?

Why learn German?

What are the benefits of learning a LOTE?

How does Spring Gully Integrate LOTE into the curriculum?

Multicultural festival Days

Every two years the Grade 5 & 6 students hold a multicultural festival day and invite visitors from other countries in our community to take part. Children study festival customs and traditions from other countries.

Cooking

Students have the opportunity to cook new dishes. In recent years they have cooked German biscuits and pretzels, Japanese sushi and Chinese fried rice.

Art and Drama

Students take part in plays and role plays in German and make puppets, models and masks. They learn about the art of many different cultures including their own.

Literacy

Students in grade 5 & 6 have the opportunity to participate in the German Poetry Competitions and have made it to State level in the past two years.

Mathematics

Students learn practical skills such as shopping and using money in German.

Technology

Students use computer programs such as Languagesonline to enhance their learning. Grade 6 students are sharing information and digital photographs with students in a school in Germany.

Study Tour

 Since 2006 we have hosted primary children from Jiangsu Province in China for a one-week homestay. This provides our school community with a wonderful opportunity to interact with children who speak another language.

WHY LEARN GERMAN?

The  Department of Education has identified 4 European languages (German, French, Italian, Greek) and 4 Asian languages (Indonesian, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese) as a priority for learning LOTE in Victorian Schools.

• German is taught at Spring Gully Primary School for the following reasons:
• German has traditionally been taught at the school
• There are many students of German descent in our school population
• The school recognizes the significant contribution of German culture and German people to the local and Australian identity
• There are many similarities between German and English and students are able to readily learn and compare the two languages
• German is taught at the neighbouring Government Secondary Colleges

In addition, over the past two years, students in Years 5 & 6 have been exposed to tasters of Indonesian, Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin) to allow a more informed choice when choosing a language at secondary college.

BENEFITS OF LEARNING A LOTE

• Now more than ever we are a part of a global community. Learning a language presents a new way of looking at the world . It can open a child's eyes to what is out there beyond their local community
• We live in a multicultural society and learning about other cultural viewpoints is essential for children to develop knowledge, respect and empathy for others
• Learning a second language can enhance your child's vocational prospects. As our growing economy depends on increased trade with other countries, there is a demand for graduates with a second language.
• Learning a language allows children to develop their potential to the fullest. It is literally mindstretching and enhances intellectual and social development.
• Learning a second language can enhance skills and understanding in English. Children can develop transferable skills such as pattern recognition, linguistic problem solving, and an understanding of language conventions such as grammar, tense, and gender.
• Language learning can be highly enjoyable and satisfying for young children. They are curious and inquisitive learners who learn by questioning and copying. Research indicates that the earlier children begin practising a second language, the better their pronunciation. Studies have also shown that early second language learning in children can enhance reading levels in English.