The document discusses strategies for increasing language learning participation rates at Smith's Hill High School. It notes that 100 students were surveyed about their motivations, which included overseas study tours, interesting classes, passionate teachers, a sense of achievement, choice of languages, and contact with native speakers. It then provides many tactics for connecting with students early, building rapport, gaining administrative support, engaging students through interactive activities, using technology and media, emphasizing the benefits of language learning, and organizing overseas study tours. The overall aim is to promote language programs and increase student enrollment numbers.
2. • 120 students per year
Year 8 – mandatory 100 hours
- 45 students studying a second language
Year 9 – 105 elective students
Year 10 – 75 elective students
Year 11/12
French, German, Japanese Continuers
French, German, Japanese Extension
Italian Beginners
My context
3. 100 high school students were surveyed about their
motivation for learning language and ..
1. Overseas Study Tours *
2. Interesting classes
3. Passionate teachers
4. Sense of achievement
5. Choice of language
6. Contact with native speakers
4. Connect early
First impressions
Letter home with enrolment information
Homestay program
Overseas Study Tours
In trust payments
Fundraising program
Smoke and mirrors??
Rapport and connection
5. Make the Principal look good
Open invitation to visit Language classrooms
Keep them up to date with happenings in Language
Invite them down for ‘coffee’
Give them reasons to keep (or start!) supporting Language
ATAR bonus
National priority
Start at the top
6. Push for authentic representation at Exec level
Year Adviser
Curriculum team
Mentor
Camps
Be involved
16. Open night – be interactive , visible and attractive
Staff morning tea – bring exotic food
Certificates signed by the Principal for anything
Dress up and present
anything to the Principal
at assembly
PR, PR and more PR
17. School open night
In class
Buy saucepans/crepe makers/utensils
Get kids to bring ingredients
Menu in target language
Get Principal / Senior Exec to come and judge best dish
Food, food, food
18. Use Narrative
Normalise bilingualism
Many Language teachers
are highly qualified
Have higher degrees
Have worked overseas
Have worked outside schools
Didn’t become a teacher because they couldn’t do anything else
Exploit your expertise
21. Endeavour fellowships
Donation programs
Travel posters
Language Uni Days – free food!
Exploit freebies
22. Set user generated content
Inclusivity
Show students you are a lifelong learner
Do something with technology – don’t just use it for
entertainment
Cloze task with a song / TV interview
Review of vocab learnt
Exploit the digital native
23. Ask not
“Why is learning languages important”
but ask
“What’s in it for me?”
Makes you smarter – higher performance in other subjects
Bonus ATAR points
Comparative advantage in the job market
Can work overseas
Flexibility and choices later in life
Love?
Food?
Why is learning languages important?
24. Distance education
Students enjoy a sense of achievement
Make it realistic
Second language speakers - gift of languages
SSCL
Pitching for achievement
25. Engagement for students
Great sense of achievement
Play it on loop at Open Night in the corridor
Invite the Principal to Sydney for the finals
MLTA film competition
26. Seed early
Take late
Only language students – not a Contiki tour but a Study Tour
Early planning
Clear and regular communication
Teacher not Tour Guide so design is paramount
The book
Overseas Study Tours