Japanese

Discover Japanese language and culture

Japanese Program Overview

At Coombabah SHS, our Japanese program offers engaging and interactive lessons, enriched with cultural incursions and excursions that bring Japanese traditions to life. With a full Year 7-12 pathway leading to ATAR, students can begin as complete beginners and progress to advanced levels with opportunities for real-world application.

All students in Years 7 and 8 study a language at Coombabah SHS. Japanese is taught at a foundation level, designed for absolute beginners.

Years 7-8: Building Foundations

Japanese is taught at foundation level for absolute beginners. Students start their journey by learning essential communication skills while developing an appreciation of Japanese culture.

• Year 7: 1 semester, 2 lessons per week
• Year 8: Full year (2 semesters), 2 lessons per week

Cultural Incursions

• Taiko drumming
• Calligraphy
• Pottery
• Japanese cooking

Years 9-10: Expanding Skills

In Years 9 and 10, students can choose Japanese as an elective, building on their knowledge and confidence in communication. In Year 9, students explore milestones and cultural traditions, gaining insight into how heritage shapes people's lives through sport, food, and lifestyle.

In Year 10, the program prepares students for the ATAR pathway by focusing on extended communication, one-on-one conversations, written tasks, and multimedia presentations. Students also reflect on their place in the global community.

• Year 9: 1 semester, 4 lessons per week
• Year 10: Full year (2 semesters), 4 lessons per week

Experiences & Activities

• Griffith University Language Experience Day
• MLTAQ speaking competition
• Cultural excursions (tea ceremony, Japanese dining, Japanese Film Festival)

Years 11-12: ATAR Pathway and Beyond

Senior Japanese is one of the most rewarding stages of the program, offering unique opportunities for immersion in language and culture beyond the classroom. Studying Japanese as an ATAR subject enables students to deepen their knowledge, refine communication skills, and broaden their understanding of modern Japan.

Years 11 & 12 ATAR: Full year (2 semesters), 4 lessons per week

Key Themes

Family, travel, customs, the arts, sport, groups in society, and future pathways.

Opportunities & Experiences

• Japan Study Tour: 10-day immersive tour (every two years)
• Global Engagement Program: 3-week transformative study program in Japan
• Griffith Head Start Program: Opportunity to complete a university-level Japanese course during high school
• Competitions & Experiences: MLTAQ speaking competition and cultural events

Explore Japanese

For more information about our Japanese program, subject selection, and pathways, please contact the school.