Language

Indonesian at Kingsley

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Australia’s northern neighbour, Indonesia and is taught across years 3 to 6 at Kingsley.

During their lessons, students learn to effectively communicate in the second language they are learning, develop an intercultural capability and understanding of the role of language and culture in communication and reflect on their language use and language learning.

Students learn through interactions with the teacher and other students. They share information about themselves, their families, their environment, personal interests and experiences.

Students participate in many activities including learning songs, playing games and reading stories, always building on prior learning. They are encouraged to have a go at using the language and are given plenty of support by the teacher, other classmates and posters around the room.

Students are encouraged to look for connections between Indonesian and English and, for many students, with their home language as well.

Aspects of Indonesian culture are studied and compared with students’ own culture. Students are invited to share their cultural experiences, and this leads to greater intercultural understanding which is so important in our interconnected world.

At Kingsley, the Indonesian program is linked strongly with Information Technology. Students complete set tasks using a variety of software, strengthening their IT skills while learning a language.

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
Nelson Mandela.