Osaka International School

Middle/High School Course Descriptions

Aims                                                                                                                                                               .

 The aims of the teaching and study of language A are to encourage and enable the student to:

·                      use the language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning and self-expression

·                     use language as a tool for personal growth, social interaction and for developing relationships within the international community

·                     comprehend more clearly aspects of their own culture and those of other cultures by exploring the interdependence of human beings through a variety of works

·                      explore the many facets of the language through the use of media and information technology

·                     develop the skills involved in speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing in a variety of contexts

·                      respond appropriately to a variety of texts

·                      read widely to promote a lifelong interest in language and literature

·                      develop a critical and creative approach to studying and analysing literature

·                      develop language skills through interdisciplinary work

·                      consider the role of literature both culturally and historically

·                      reflect on the learning process in various ways and at various stages

·                      empathize with real people and fictional characters as and when appropriate.

Objectives                                                                                                                                                   

 The objectives of language A deal with both language and literature. The various language skills—speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing—are all covered by these objectives.

 At the end of the course students should be able to:

·         understand and comment on the language, content, structure, meaning and significance of both familiar and previously unseen pieces of writing

·         demonstrate a critical awareness of a range of written and visual texts

·         use language to narrate, describe, analyse, explain, argue, persuade, inform, entertain and express feelings

·         compare texts and connect themes to show similarities or differences across genres

·         express an informed personal response to literary and non-literary texts and demonstrate the ability to approach works independently

·         understand connotations within a language in order to interpret the author’s or speaker’s intentions

·         express ideas with clarity and coherence in both oral and written communication

·         structure ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, in a sustained and logical way, and support them with relevant examples

·         distinguish the main ideas in a text from the secondary ideas

·         use and understand an appropriate and varied range of vocabulary and idiom

·         use correct grammar with appropriate and varied sentence structure

·         show awareness of the need for an effective choice of register suited to the audience in both oral and written communication.

 Note: The term “register” refers to a mixture of appropriate tone, vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure.