Japanese - TASC

Focus Area

Discipline-based study

Courses aligned to the Years 9 to 12 Curriculum Framework belong to one of the five focus areas of Discipline-based study, Transdisciplinary projects, Professional studies, Work-based learning and Personal futures.

Japanese Level 2 is a Discipline-based study course.

Discipline-based study includes content, core concepts and big ideas; enabling deep knowledge and understanding of the content and the application of what is learned. Learners consider accepted key disciplinary knowledge, apply distinctive ways of thinking and become increasingly independent learners. They use methodologies specific to the discipline to explore and strengthen their understanding of key concepts and develop deep knowledge, skills and understanding.

Discipline-based study courses have three key features that guide teaching and learning:

specialist knowledge
theories and concepts and
methodology and terminology.

In this course learners will do this by:

using the three module concepts of identity, responsibility and legacy to learn vocabulary and structures for reading, writing, speaking, viewing and listening to Japanese language: specialist knowledge
applying grammar structures to convey meaning in spoken and written language: theories
exploring aspects of culture through the concepts for each module and reflecting on similarities and differences between their own cultures and those of Japanese-speaking countries and regions: concepts
building strategies for learning a language so that they become independent learners: methodology
using appropriate terms to discuss their own language and the Japanese language: terminology.

Rationale

Japanese Level 2 enables personal empowerment and intercultural understanding. It allows learners to develop the ability to communicate in an additional language and provides them with opportunities to reflect on their own first language, culture and heritage. Learning Japanese extends Tasmanian learners’ intercultural competence and develops knowledge, skills and understandings that will allow them to function successfully in the ever-changing world of the twenty-first century. The study of Japanese promotes and contributes to a socially cohesive society that values, respects and appreciates different points of view. It encourages a better understanding and acceptance of cultural, social, linguistic and religious diversity in Tasmania, in the wider Australian community and globally.

The course provides access to Japanese Level 3 and also provides learners with the opportunity to develop metacognitive and metalinguistic skills. These skills help improve literacy skills and can also be transferred to all other languages offered as part of Years 9 to 12 Education.

Learners who are able to communicate in Japanese and engage with Japanese culture will be able to contribute to Tasmanian society and the economy through such areas as the arts, business, foreign affairs, trade, education, technology, hospitality and tourism in coming decades. As Tasmania has identified Japan as one of its priority high-end trade markets and it is a source of high-spending tourists, Japanese language skills may provide learners with a range of opportunities for personal, vocational and professional growth.

The purpose of Years 9 to 12 Education is to enable all learners to achieve their potential through Years 9 to 12 and beyond in further study, training or employment.

Years 9 to 12 Education enables personal empowerment, cultural transmission, preparation for citizenship and preparation for work.

This course is built on the principles of access, agency, excellence, balance, support and achievement as part of a range of programs that enables students to access a diverse and flexible range of learning opportunities suited to their level of readiness, interests and aspirations.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course learners will be able to:

analyse and respond to spoken texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic spoken Japanese to exchange information, opinions, ideas and experiences
analyse and respond to written texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic written Japanese to express information, opinions, ideas and experiences
use learning and management strategies
use strategies to engage with the concept of identity, through the use of basic Japanese language, self-management skills and intercultural understanding
use strategies to engage with the concept of responsibility, through the use of basic Japanese language, self-management skills and intercultural understanding
use strategies to engage with the concept of legacy, through the use of basic Japanese language, self-management skills and intercultural understanding.

Pathways

Pathways in: The Japanese Level 2 course provides an entry point to learning Japanese and also enables learning continuity for learners who have limited or inconsistent prior learning experiences from Australian Curriculum: Japanese.

Pathways out: The Japanese Level 2 course provides a pathway to the proposed Japanese Level 3 course.

Integration of General Capabilities and Cross-curriculum Priorities

The general capabilities addressed specifically in this course are:

Intercultural understanding
Literacy

The cross-curriculum priorities enabled through this course are:

Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia

Course Size And Complexity

This course has a complexity level of 2.

For a full description of courses at a complexity level of 2, please refer to the Levels of Complexity - Tasmanian Senior Secondary Education document.

This course has a size value of 15. Upon successful completion of this course (i.e., a Preliminary Achievement (PA) award or higher), a learner will gain 15 credit points at Level 2 towards the Participation Standard of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).

Course Structure

This course consists of three 50-hour modules.

Module 1: Identity

Module 2: Responsibility

Module 3: Legacy

Course Delivery

The three modules must be delivered in order: 1, 2, 3

Course Requirements

Access

No prior knowledge of Japanese is required for participation in this course. Access to the course is restricted to learners for whom Japanese is an additional language.

Resource requirements

There are no resource requirements for this course.

Course Content: Module 1

Module 1 - Identity

Learners will develop foundational communication skills in the Japanese language. In module 1, they will focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills related to identity. Identity relates to concepts in the student's world that include:

a sense of self, personal values, opinions, ideas, aspirations and relationships with others
individuality and group affiliation in the community
global perspectives of Australian and Japanese society.

Learners will:

use the topics of self, family relationships and friendship to explore the concept of identity.
share personal, community and global perspectives of identity by exploring Japanese language and culture.

See Appendix 6: Language for all relevant language structures for this module.

Module 1 learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are a focus for this module:

listen and respond to spoken texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic spoken Japanese to exchange information, opinions, ideas and experiences
read and respond to written texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic written Japanese to express information, opinions, ideas and experiences
use learning and management strategies
use language to express ideas related to self, family and friends and other concepts related to identity

Module 1 content

Learners will work with vocabulary and structures that will allow them to explore:

topics related to their personal world, their family and friends
the personal world of their peers in Japanese speaking communities
the similarities and differences in the way they are structured
how culture plays an integral role when communicating in another language

Learners will:

reflect on their own and others' cultural and linguistic identity
interact with others and communicate about themselves in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways
culturally appropriate titles and forms of address
use of specific language to show respect in interpersonal communications.

Learners will develop knowledge, skills and understandings through:

using spoken, written and visual texts
role play
opportunities to engage with other speakers of Japanese.

Key knowledge:

appropriate terms for family members
adjectives for personal descriptions
simple possessive constructions
present tense affirmative construction of relevant verbs
present tense negative construction of relevant verbs
formulaic expressions as vocabulary items
culturally relevant language and structures.

Key skills:

describe themselves: name, age, where they live, describe personal details etc
use elements of the language to communicate with and about their friends
inquire about such information
analyse, understand and respond to such information
explain information about their peers in Japanese-speaking cultures, especially name, age, where they live, appearance
enquire about aspects of peers’ personal lives, family and friends
use elements of the language to demonstrate their understanding of the role of culture in shaping Japanese language.

Module 1 work requirements

This module includes the following work requirements:

folio comprised of 1 part:
- short response: Listen and speak.

See Appendix 3 for the full specifications of the work requirements of this course.

Module 1 assessment

This module has a focus on criteria 1, 2, 5 and 6.

Course Content: Module 2

Module 2 - Responsibility

Learners will continue to develop foundational communication skills in the Japanese language. In module 2, they will develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills related to responsibility. Responsibility relates to concepts that include:

how people manage social responsibilities and influence decisions that affect individuals or groups such as:
- family and community responsibilities
- education commitments
- obligations as a part-time employee.
home life and daily routine
community

Learners will:

share personal, community and global perspectives of responsibility
compare perspectives for themselves and their peers in Japanese-speaking cultures
explore Japanese language and culture.

See Appendix 6: Language for all relevant language structures for this module.

Module 2 learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are a focus of this module:

listen and respond to spoken texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic spoken Japanese to exchange information, opinions, ideas and experiences
read and respond to written texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic written Japanese to express information, opinions, ideas and experiences
use learning and management strategies
use language to express ideas related to daily life, community, education and work and other concepts related to responsibility.

Module 2 content

Learners will develop Japanese language related to daily life, community, education and work. They will:

apply knowledge and skills in culturally, linguistically and ethically appropriate ways
understand the role of culture when communicating about responsibility in a different language
explore and compare how:
- family, community and school roles and expectations may differ between cultures
- cultural influences shape the value placed on education in different communities and cultures
- expectations and obligations around employment may differ between cultures.

Module 2 assumes a knowledge of the vocabulary, characters and language structures identified in module 1. Learners will develop knowledge, skills and understandings through:

using spoken, written and visual texts
role play
opportunities to engage with other speakers of Japanese.

Key knowledge:

vocabulary for family activities, including daily routine, roles and responsibilities
vocabulary and phrases to talk about the local community
vocabulary and phrases to talk about school and learning
vocabulary and phrases to talk about part-time employment
comparative structures
present tense of relevant verb constructions
past tense of relevant verb constructions
formulaic expressions as vocabulary items.

Key skills:

describe duties within the family
describe routine considerations of daily life, including food and weather
describe their physical community and their engagement in the community
explain responsibilities at school, attitudes to aspects of education and learning
describe and use language about part-time employment
enquire about such information
make comparisons about family activities, daily routine, school and part-time employment
enquire about and share information about their peers in Japanese-speaking communities, especially duties and roles within the family, education, the community, part-time employment
analyse and respond to information about family, daily life, education and part-time employment.

Module 2 work requirements

This module includes the following work requirements:

a folio comprised of 2 parts:
- short response: Read and write
- short response: Language and culture

See Appendix 3 for the full specifications of the work requirements of this course.

Module 2 assessment

This module has a focus on criteria 3, 4, 5 and 7.

Course Content: Module 3

Module 3 - Legacy

Learners will continue to develop and consolidate foundational communication skills in the Japanese language. In module 3, they will develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills related to legacy. Legacy relates to concepts that include:

how people and events influence change
how individuals and communities respond to opportunities and challenges
contributions, achievements and influence of Japanese-speaking individuals or groups in society.

Learners will:

explore legacy through topics including:
- leisure time
- the Arts
- entertainment and media
- sport
- travel
understand personal, community and global perspectives
Japanese language and culture.
develop knowledge and skills to share their thoughts on topics related to legacy.

See Appendix 6 for all relevant language structures for this module.

Module 3 learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are a focus of this module:

listen and respond to spoken texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic spoken Japanese to exchange information, opinions, ideas and experiences
read and respond to written texts presented in basic Japanese
communicate in basic written Japanese to express information, opinions, ideas and experiences
use learning and management strategies
use language to express ideas related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture and other concepts related to legacy

Module 3 content

Learners will develop Japanese language related to personal, community and global perspectives. They will:

apply knowledge and skills in culturally, linguistically and ethically appropriate ways
understand that languages have similarities and differences in the way they are structured
explore and compare how:
- culture plays an integral part when communicating in an additional language
- different languages and cultures express the notion of time and ordering of events in different ways
- languages have formal mechanisms for seeking and conveying opinions
- the role and type of leisure varies across cultures
- culture influences the arts, entertainment and media and the role they play in their peer's lives
- attitudes to travel may vary between cultures.

Module 3 assumes a knowledge of the vocabulary, characters and language structures identified in modules 1 and 2. Learners will develop knowledge, skills and understandings through:

spoken, written and visual texts
role play
opportunities to engage with other speakers of Japanese.

Key knowledge:

structures to talk about themselves and other people, places and events in the present
structures to talk about themselves and other people, places and events in the past
structures to enquire about and express opinions
structures to make comparisons
structures to facilitate the formation of complex sentences; for example, conjunctions
formulaic expressions as vocabulary items.

Key skills:

discuss leisure time activities such as sports and hobbies
enquire about others’ leisure time activities
convey information about travel and transport and make plans for travelling
discuss entertainment, media and the arts, expressing preferences and opinions
enquire about others’ views of entertainment, media and the arts
enquire about and share information about leisure time, entertainment, travel and transport for their peers in Japanese-speaking communities
analyse and respond to information about leisure time activities, entertainment, media and the arts, sports and hobbies, travel and transport.

Module 3 work requirements

This module includes the following work requirements:

one folio consisting of 3 parts:
- short response: Listen and speak
- short response: Read and write
- response: Language and culture.

See Appendix 3 for the full specifications of the work requirements of this course.

Module 3 assessment

This module has a focus on criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8.

Assessment

Criterion-based assessment is a form of outcomes assessment that identifies the extent of learner achievement at an appropriate endpoint of study. Although assessment as part of the learning program is continuous, much of it is formative, and is done to help learners identify what they need to do to attain the maximum benefit from their study of the course. Therefore, assessment for summative reporting to TASC will focus on what both teacher and learner understand to reflect end-point achievement.

The standard of achievement each learner attains on each criterion is recorded as a rating ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’, according to the outcomes specified in the standards section of the course.

A ‘t’ notation must be used where a learner demonstrates any achievement against a criterion less than the standard specified for the ‘C’ rating.

A ‘z’ notation is to be used where a learner provides no evidence of achievement at all.

Internal assessment of all criteria will be made by the provider. Providers will report the learner’s rating for each criterion to TASC.

Quality Assurance Process

The following processes will be facilitated by TASC to ensure there is:

a match between the standards of achievement specified in the course and the skills and knowledge demonstrated by individual learners
community confidence in the integrity and meaning of the qualification.

Process

TASC will verify that the provider’s course delivery and assessment meet the course requirements and community expectations for fairness, integrity and validity of qualifications TASC issues. This will involve checking:

Provider standard 1: scope and sequence documentation:
- course delivery plan
- course assessment plan: assessment matrix
Provider standard 2: student attendance records
Provider standard 3: examples of assessments tools and instruments and associated rubrics and marking guides
Provider standard 1 and 3: examples of student work including that related to any work requirements articulated in the course document
Provider standard 4: class records of assessment

This process will be scheduled by TASC using a risk-based approach.

Criteria

The assessment for Japanese Level 2 will be based on the degree to which the learner can:

listen and respond to basic spoken Japanese
communicate in basic spoken Japanese
read and respond to basic written Japanese
communicate in basic written Japanese
use learning and management strategies
use language to express ideas related to self, family and friends
use language to express ideas related to daily life, community, education and work
use language to express ideas related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture.

	Module 1	Module 2	Module 3
Criteria focus	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8

Standards

Criterion 1: listen and respond to basic spoken Japanese

Based on the language and structures in this Level 2 course, the learner listens to basic spoken Japanese and

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - General ideas in spoken Japanese†	accurately identifies and appropriately responds to ideas on a range of familiar topics	identifies and responds to a range of general ideas on a range of familiar topics	identifies and responds to a limited range of general ideas on a given range of familiar topics
E02 - Specific details in spoken Japanese†	identifies and appropriately responds to a relevant range of specific details.	identifies and responds to specific details.	identifies and responds to given specific details.

^† Spoken Japanese may include, but is not limited to single speakers, conversations, computer-generated voice, recordings, live production.

Criterion 2: communicate in basic spoken Japanese

Based on the language and structures in this Level 2 course, the learner communicates in basic spoken Japanese and:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Range and relevance of vocabulary and structures	uses a range of simple and complex structures in speaking about familiar topics	uses a range of simple structures in speaking about familiar topics	uses given simple structures in speaking about familiar topics
E02 - Accuracy of structures	uses simple structures with accuracy and demonstrates variable accuracy if using more complex structures	uses simple structures with limited accuracy	uses a given range of vocabulary and repeats simple structures in speaking about familiar topics as directed
E03 - Fluency of responses	responds spontaneously, effectively and cohesively on a relevant range of familiar topics, may respond with occasional hesitation when using less familiar topics	responds cohesively when using familiar, prelearned structures, may hesitate when using less familiar language and topics	responds with frequent hesitation, may require assistance† from the interlocutor to respond

^† Assistance may include but is not limited to the student asking for repetition or translation, asking is something correct, gesturing to convey information, pointing to provide additional information.

Criterion 3: read and respond to basic written Japanese

Based on the language and structures in this Level 2 course, the learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - General ideas in written Japanese†	accurately identifies and appropriately responds to general ideas on a range of familiar topics	identifies and responds to a range of general ideas on a range of familiar topics	identifies and responds to a limited range of general ideas on a given range of familiar topics
E02 - Specific details in written Japanese†	identifies and appropriately responds to a range of specific details.	identifies and responds to specific details.	identifies and responds to given specific details.

^† Written Japanese may include, but is not limited to printed, handwritten, online, personal, public, mass communications.

Criterion 4: communicate in basic written Japanese

Based on the language and structures in this Level 2 course, the learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Range of structures	uses a range of simple and complex structures when communicating about familiar topics	uses a range of simple structures and some complex structures when communicating about familiar topics	uses a given range of simple structures when communicating about familiar topics
E02 - Accuracy of structures	uses simple structures with accuracy. Accuracy is variable when more complex structures are used	uses simple structures with limited accuracy	repeats simple structures in speaking about familiar topics as directed
E03 - Orthography	accurately uses a combination of hiragana and katakana, and a range of familiar kanji appropriate to context. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance meaning.	accurately uses a combination of hiragana and katakana, and a limited range of familiar kanji, for high frequency words. Punctuation is mostly correct.	uses limited combinations of hiragana and katakana for high frequency words, and some kanji, but they may be inaccurate or incomplete. Representation sometimes impedes meaning. Basic punctuation is correct.
E04 - Context, purpose and audience	creates a detailed response that is relevant to context, purpose and audience.	creates a response that is relevant to context, purpose or audience.	creates a response that has limited relevance to context, purpose or audience.

Criterion 5: use learning and management strategies

Based on the language and structures in this Level 2 course, the learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Analysis of Japanese texts	explains (in English) a range of similarities and differences in information and ideas from texts in Japanese	describes (in English) similarities and differences in information and ideas from texts in Japanese	identifies (in English) limited similarities and differences in information and ideas from texts in Japanese
E02 - Self management	uses a relevant range of strategies to manage and complete tasks within agreed timeframes	uses a range of strategies to manage and complete aspects of tasks within agreed timeframes	uses a given range of strategies to manage tasks as directed
E03 - Differentiating the work of others and referencing	differentiates the work of others from the learner's own†. Uses referencing conventions and methodologies accurately‡.	differentiates the work of others from the learner's own†. Uses provided referencing conventions and methodologies accurately‡.	identifies the work of others as directed†. Uses referencing conventions and methodologies‡ as directed. There may be minor errors or inconsistencies.

^† This includes, but is not limited to, ideas, images, information, data or words.
^‡ This may include the creation of reference lists and bibliographies.

Criterion 6: use language to express ideas related to self, family and friends

Based on the language and structures in module 1 of this Level 2 course, the learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Applies language for identity†	selects and uses appropriate Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss self, family and friends	uses Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss self, family and friends	uses given Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss self, family and friends
E02 - Translates language for identity†	identifies and explains (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to self, family and friends when reading or listening in Japanese.	identifies and describes (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to self, family and friends when reading or listening in Japanese.	identifies (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to self, family and friends when reading or listening in Japanese.
E03 - Intercultural understanding for identity†	explains a range of relevant cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing for identity for Japanese and Australian language culture and traditions.	describes a range of cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing for identity in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.	identifies cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing for identity in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.

^† identity includes concepts related to self, family and friends

Criterion 7: use language to express ideas related to daily life, community, education and work

Based on the language and structures in module 2 of this Level 2 course, the learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Applies language for responsibility†	selects and uses appropriate Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss daily life, community, education and work	uses Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss daily life, community, education and work	uses given Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss daily life, community, education and work
E02 - Translates language for responsibility†	identifies and explains (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to daily life, community, education and work when reading or listening in Japanese.	identifies and describes (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to daily life, community, education and work when reading or listening in Japanese.	identifies (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to daily life, community, education and work when reading or listening in Japanese.
E03 - Intercultural understanding for responsibility†	explains a range of relevant cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing for responsibility in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.	describes a range of cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing for responsibility in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.	identifies cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing for responsibility in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.

^† responsibility includes concepts related to daily life, community, education and work

Criterion 8: use language to express ideas related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture

Based on the language and structures in module 3 of this Level 2 course, the learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Applies language for legacy†	selects and uses appropriate Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss personal, community and global perspectives on culture	uses Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss personal, community and global perspectives on culture	uses given Japanese vocabulary and expressions when speaking or writing to discuss personal, community and global perspectives on culture
E02 - Translates language for legacy†	identifies and explains (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture when reading or listening in Japanese.	identifies and describes (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture when reading or listening in Japanese.	identifies (in English) vocabulary and expressions used related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture when reading or listening in Japanese.
E03 - Intercultural understanding for legacy†	explains a range of relevant cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing legacy in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.	describes a range of cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing legacy in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.	identifies cultural ideas and information (in English) when comparing legacy in Japanese and Australian language, culture and traditions.

^† legacy includes concepts related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture

Qualifications Available

Japanese Level 2 (with the award of):

EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENT

SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT

PRELIMINARY ACHIEVEMENT

Award Requirements

The final award will be determined by the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification from eight ratings.

The minimum requirements for an award in Japanese Level 2 are as follows:

EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT (EA)
6 ‘A’ ratings, 2 ‘B’ ratings

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT (HA)
3 ‘A’ ratings, 4 ‘B’ ratings, 1 ‘C’ rating

COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENT (CA)
4 ‘B’ ratings, 3 ‘C’ ratings

SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT (SA)
6 ‘C’ ratings

PRELIMINARY ACHIEVEMENT (PA)
4 ‘C’ ratings

A learner who otherwise achieves the rating for a CA (Commendable Achievement) or SA (Satisfactory Achievement) award but who fails to show any evidence of achievement in one or more criteria (‘z’ notation) will be issued with a PA (Preliminary Achievement) award.

Course Evaluation

Years 9-12 Learning will develop and regularly review and revise the curriculum. Course evaluation is informed by the experience of the course’s implementation, delivery and assessment. More information about course evaluation can be found on the Years 11 and 12 website.

Course Developer

This course has been developed by the Department of Education’s Years 9-12 Learning Unit in collaboration with Catholic Education Tasmania and Independent Schools Tasmania.

Accreditation

Accredited on 8 December 2021 for use from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027.

Version History

Version 1

Accredited on 8 December 2021 for use from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027. This course replaced Japanese - Foundation Level 2 (JPN215114) which expired on 31 December 2022.

Version 2

Approved on 4 December 2023. Major refinements made to criteria headings and criteria standard elements. The nature and scope of Work Requirements has been adjusted, and clarification given regarding the purpose of the module structure of the course.

Version 2a - 6 June 2024. Refinements made to Criterion 4, Element 3 (A, B and C rating descriptors).

Appendix 1 – Line of sight

Line of sight

Learning outcomes	Course content: modules	Work requirements: modules	Criteria	General capabilities
listen and respond to spoken texts presented in basic Japanese	1, 2, 3	1, 3	1	Literacy; Intercultural understanding
communicate in basic spoken Japanese to exchange information, opinions, ideas and experiences	1, 2, 3	1, 3	2	Literacy; Intercultural understanding
read and respond to written texts presented in basic Japanese	1, 2, 3	2, 3	3	Literacy; Intercultural understanding
communicate in basic written Japanese to express information, opinions, ideas and experiences	1, 2, 3	2, 3	4	Literacy; Intercultural understanding
use learning and management strategies	1, 2, 3	1, 2, 3	5	Literacy; Intercultural understanding
use language to express ideas related to self, family and friends and other concepts related to identity	1	1	6	Literacy; Intercultural understanding
use language to express ideas related to daily life, community, education and work and other concepts related to responsibility	2	2	7	Literacy; Intercultural understanding
use language to express ideas related to personal, community and global perspectives on culture and other concepts related to legacy	3	3	8	Literacy; Intercultural understanding

Appendix 2 – Alignment to curriculum frameworks

Alignment to curriculum frameworks

Japanese Level 2 draws on the following aspects of the Combined Curriculum and Assessment Framework for Languages (CCAFL) 2021:

Concepts: identity, responsibility, legacy: topics developed from these concepts to meet the needs of the Tasmanian beginning language student
Perspectives: personal, community, global
Course objectives: interact in [Language]†, analyse [Language], create meaning in [Language]
Knowledge and skills to be assessed: reading, writing, speaking, viewing and listening to [Language].
Content: learning [Language], using [Language] and mediating between [Language]-speaking communities and Australian cultural contexts
The interrelationship between language and culture and the importance of the link between culture and effective communication
The development of the capacity for ongoing reflection about languages and cultures, including the learner’s own and those of others
The development of an understanding of language as a system and reflection on how language is used in different contexts and may vary between different individuals and groups.

† The use of [Language] is taken directly from the CCAFL. It is a national framework which does not refer to individual languages. Where these aspects of the alignment appear elsewhere in the body of this course document, they have been identified in relation to the relevant language: Japanese.

Appendix 3 – Work requirements

Work requirements

The work requirements of a course are processes, products or performances that provide a significant demonstration of achievement that is measurable against the course's standards. Work requirements need not be the sole form of assessment for a module

Module 1 work requirements specifications

Work requirement 1 of 1

Title of work requirement: Identity - personal, community and global perspectives of the individual folio

Mode or format: folio

Description: The folio will include evidence collected over the course of the module. It will be based on concepts of identity as provided or negotiated with the teacher.

The folio will contain 1 part:

Part 1: Listen and Speak: the teacher has a conversation in Japanese with the learner about themselves, their family and friends. The learner will:
- respond in Japanese to a series of short questions spoken Japanese by the teacher
- provide supporting evidence of either a recording of the conversation or a written summary of the questions and responses in English and/or Japanese.

Note: The teacher may vary questions as appropriate for individual learners.

Size:

Part 1: Listen and Speak: approximately 10 short responses with supporting evidence

Timing: as this is a folio, individual components can be done at different times.

Focus criteria: 1, 2, 5 and 6

Module 2 work requirements specifications

Work requirement 1 of 1

Title of work requirement: Responsibility - daily life, community, education or part-time employment folio

Mode or format: folio

Description: The folio will include evidence collected over the course of the module. It will be based on concepts of responsibility as provided or negotiated with the teacher.

The folio will contain 2 parts:

Part 1: Read and Write - writing a short response in Japanese to a stimulus in Japanese. The stimulus may be in any mode. Teachers may wish to provide a guiding question for learners to respond to. The learner will:
- provide a short description in English of the stimulus
- create a response to the stimulus of 40 60 characters in Japanese
- possible extension: find a different stimulus on the same topic in any mode, and provide a short comparison, in English, between the two.

Part 2: Language and Culture - a written response to explore similarities and differences in language and culture. The learner will:
- provide a response, in English, to compare aspects of Australian and Japanese culture related to daily life, community, education or part-time employment

Size:

Part 1: Read and write - a short response in English and 40-60 characters in Japanese
Part 2: Language and culture - approximately 250-500 words (or equivalent if multimodal) in English and relevant examples in Japanese

Timing: as this is a folio, individual components can be done at different times.

Focus criterion: 3, 4, 5 and 7

Module 3 work requirements specifications

Work requirement 1 of 1

Title of work requirement: Legacy - personal, community and global perspectives folio

Mode or format: folio

Description:

The folio will include evidence collected over the course of the module. It will be based on concepts of legacy as provided or negotiated with the teacher.

Note: Teachers may wish to incorporate other content from modules 1 and 2 (criteria 6 and 7) into this task design as a culminating course activity. There may also be an opportunity to polish and refine earlier work to submit with this folio.

The folio will contain 3 parts:

Part 1: Listen and speak: the teacher has a conversation in Japanese with the learner about themselves, their family and friends. The learner will:
- respond in Japanese to a series of short questions spoken Japanese by the teacher
- provide supporting evidence of either a recording of the conversation or a written summary of the questions and responses in English and/or Japanese.

Note: The teacher may vary questions as appropriate for individual learners.

Part 2: Read and write: writing a short response in Japanese to a stimulus in Japanese. The stimulus may be in any mode. Teachers may wish to provide a guiding question for learners to respond to. The learner will:
- provide a short description in English of the stimulus
- create a response to the stimulus of 60-100 characters in Japanese
- possible extension: find a different stimulus on the same topic in any mode, and provide a short comparison, in English, between the two.

Part 3: Language and culture: a written response to explore similarities and differences in language and culture. The learner will:
- Review, extend and refine the response provided for language and culture in Module 2, Work requirement 1 of 1. This will enable learners to add in any new concepts and demonstrate deeper understanding.
- Create a response that reflects their latest understanding of:
  - how aspects of Australian and Japanese culture related to daily life, community, education or part-time employment compare

Size:

Part 1: Listen and speak: approximately 10 short responses
Part 2: Read and write: a short response in English and 60-100 characters in Japanese
Part 3: Language and culture: approximately 250-500 words in English (or equivalent if multimodal) and relevant examples in Japanese

Timing: as this is a folio, individual components can be done at different times.

Focus criteria: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8

Appendix 4 – General capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities

General capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities

Learning across the curriculum content, including the cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities, assists students to achieve the broad learning outcomes defined in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (December 2019).

General capabilities:

The general capabilities play a significant role in the Australian Curriculum in equipping young Australians to live and work successfully in the twenty-first century.

In the Australian Curriculum, capability encompasses knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions. Students develop capability when they apply knowledge and skills confidently, effectively and appropriately in complex and changing circumstances, in their learning at school and in their lives outside school.

The general capabilities include:

Critical and creative thinking
Ethical understanding
Information and communication technology capability
Intercultural understanding
Literacy
Numeracy
Personal and social capability

Cross-curriculum priorities:

Cross-curriculum priorities enable students to develop understanding about and address the contemporary issues they face, for their own benefit and for the benefit of Australia as a whole. The priorities provide national, regional and global dimensions which will enrich the curriculum through development of considered and focused content that fits naturally within learning areas. Incorporation of the priorities will encourage conversations between students, teachers and the wider community.

The cross-curriculum priorities include:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
Sustainability

Appendix 5 – Glossary

Glossary

analyse

Dissect to ascertain and examine constituent parts and their relationships; break down or examine in order to identify the essential elements, features, components or structure; determine the logic and reasonableness of information; examine or consider something in order to explain and interpret it, for the purpose of finding meaning or relationships and identifying patterns, similarities and differences.

audience

The audience is the intended group of readers, listeners or viewers for the task.

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)

Under the ACARA Act, ACARA’s functions include: developing and administer a national school curriculum; developing and administering national assessments; collecting, managing and analysing student assessment data and other data relating to schools and comparative school performance; facilitating information sharing arrangements between Australian government bodies in relation to school data; and publishing information relating to school education, including information relating to comparative school performance.

authentic

Texts or materials produced for ‘real-life’ purposes and contexts as opposed to being created specifically for learning tasks or language practise.
Combined Curriculum and Assessment Framework for Languages (CCAFL) The CCAFL Framework (2021) provides the structure and elements that will be common to all Australian CCAFL Languages developed for students who have typically already studied the language for approximately 200 hours. It represents the foundation for the development of language-specific materials and state-based curriculum and assessment for these CCAFL Languages

complex sentence

A sentence with more than one clause. In the following examples, the subordinate clauses are indicated by square brackets: I took my umbrella [because it was raining]; The man [who came to dinner] is my brother.

complex: structure

A grammar structure that is compound, composite, characterised by an involved combination of parts: He has eaten his cake already.

context

A real, simulated, or imaginary situation. Knowledge of the language as a system and the relationship between language and culture will inform the language used in any given context.

create meaning in [Language]

Creating meaning in [Language] refers to any language that students generate themselves in spoken, visual or written form. When creating meaning in [Language], students present information, experiences, opinions and ideas through a range of interactions, text types, styles of writing and media. Creating meaning in [Language] is not limited to particular contexts, purposes or audiences, and includes language for all student products.

culture

Culture is understood as a framework in which things come to be seen as having meaning. It involves the lens through which:

people see, think, interpret the world and experiences
make assumptions about self and others
understand and represent individual and community identity.

Culture involves understandings about ‘norms’ and expectations, which shape perspectives and attitudes. It can be defined as social practices, patterns of behaviour, and organisational processes and perspectives associated with the values, beliefs and understandings shared by members of a community or cultural group. Language, culture and identity are understood to be closely interrelated and involved in the shaping and expression of each other. The intercultural orientation to language teaching and learning is informed by this understanding.

Concept that influences all interaction, analysis and creation in the language learned in this course.

cultural conventions

Common set of norms and established standards shared by members of a group, to which each person is expected to conform

cultural values

Common set of beliefs and principles shared by a group

digital texts

Audio, visual or multimodal texts produced through digital or electronic technology. They may be interactive and include animations or hyperlinks. Examples of digital texts include DVDs, websites and e-literature.

familiar

Well-acquainted; thoroughly conversant with; well-known from long or close association; often encountered or experienced; common; of materials, texts, skills or circumstances; having been the focus of learning experiences or previously encountered in prior learning activities.

formulaic language

Words or expressions which are commonly used in fixed patterns and learned as such without grammatical analysis. For example: How are you?

Identity

Topics related to the student’s personal world, for example, a sense of self, personal values, opinions, ideas, aspirations and relationships with others, individuality and group affiliation as well as aspects of Australian and target language society.

insightful

Showing a clear and usually original understanding of a complicated problem or situation.

intercultural competence

Is the ability to think, behave and create meaning to communicate effectively with people across cultures

language systems

Elements that organise how a language works, including the systems of signs and rules; such as, phonological, syntactic, semantic and pragmatic that underpin language use. These systems have to be internalised for effective communication and comprehension.

Legacy

Consideration of how people and events influence change, and how people respond to opportunities and challenges; contributions, achievements and influence of target-language speaking individuals or groups in society.

metalanguage

A vocabulary used to discuss language conventions and use; for example, language used to talk about grammatical terms such as sentence, clause, conjunction; or about the social and cultural nature of language, such as face, reciprocating, register.

mediate between languages

To move between different linguistic and cultural systems, referencing own first language and culture while learning to use and to understand those of the target language.

multimodal text

A text which involves two or more communication modes; for example, the combining of print, image and spoken text in film or computer presentations.

purpose

The reason for undertaking the task and the aims for communication in a particular context.

Responsibility

How people manage social responsibilities and influence decisions that affect individuals or groups within society.

Appendix 6 - Language

Language

Module 1 - Identity

Vocabulary

numbers
colours
personal descriptions talking about family
talking about friends
dates
greetings, leave-taking

Language structures:

Category	Sub-category	Examples
Pronouns	personal	わたし (I/ me)、ぼく(I/me- males)
Particles	topic marker	は
	possessive	の
	location	に for ______ にすんでいます _______ にあります
	joining two nouns with の	男の人
Numbers	cardinal	1-100
Numbers	dates	3 月 13 日
Counters and classifiers	people	人
	age	才
	month	月
	day	日
	animals	ひき
	general counter	つ
Verbs	present tense (regular)	______がいます ______ にすんでいます
Verbs	negation	___がいません
Interrogatives	particle question marker	か
Interrogatives	question words	なん/なに、どこ、どんな、いつ、だれ、なんさい、なんにん、なんびき、なんねんせい、なんがつ
Adjectives	True adjectives: present affirmative form present negative form	たかいたかくない
Adjectives		この、その、あの / これ、それ、あれ
Formulaic language	describing	______ は _____ です ______ は _____ が＿＿＿です
	honorifics	use of さん (other people’s names), お/ご at start of some words
	owning an animal	かっています
Script	hiragana	all hiragana
	kanji for production	numbers 1-100 一、二、三、四、五、六、七、八、九、十、百月、日、才
	kanji for recognition	family - 父、母 pronouns – 私 Japan - 日本

Module 2 - Responsibility

Vocabulary

Language structures:

Category	Sub-category	Examples
Pronouns	personal (plural)	私たち
Particles	to (a place) / for (lunch etc)	に
	means (of transport)	で
	possession/object	を
	with	と
	and/etc	や
	linking (also)	も
	from…as far as / until	から … まで
Prepositions	before / after	のまえに / のあとで
Counters / classifiers	time	時
	half	半
	minutes	分
Numbers	101 – 10,000	千、万†
Verbs	present tense affirmative and present tense negative	食、飲、見、聞たべます / たべません
	past tense affirmative and negative	たべました / たべませんでした
	~て form	～ています / ～ていません～ていました / ～ていませんでした
	continuous form	(日本語)をべんきょうしています
Comparative structures	using sentence connectors: but/although	でも、が
Adjectives	past affirmative form past negative form	むずかしかったむずかしくなかった
	already, yet	もう
	additional adjectives	とても、たいへん、もうすこし、たくさん、すこし、ちよっと
Adverbs		いくら、ぐらいここ、そこ、あそこときどき、いつも
Interrogatives		なんじ、いくら、なんにち、なにようび、いくつ
Formulaic language	telling the time every day	九時半ですまいにち
	expressing likes / dislikes	が好き / 好きじゃない / 好き / いちばん好きな
	common weather expressions	さむいですあめがふっています
	want / don’t want (object)	がほしい / ほしくない
	not yet (as a response) †	まだです
	Good job! / well done†	よくできました†
	verb structures†	～てもいいです（か）～たくないですじゃ/ではないです、じゃ/ではありません
Script	katakana	all katakana
	kanji for production	食、飲、行、来、見、聞先生時、半、分私何、友だち、人月、火、水、木、金、土、日円女、男、子語
	kanji for recognition	学校、小学校、中学校、高校、大学、出口、入口話、読、書、好名前千、万曜

† for recognition

Module 3 – Legacy

Vocabulary

names of Japan’s main islands, countries, cities
sports and hobbies
Entertainment and media
the arts
places including city, countryside, mountains, sea, beach, etc
directions
travel

Language structures:

Category	Sub-category	Examples
Particles	emphasis	よ = ですよ
Prepositions		上、下、中、後ろ、前、間
Prepositions	joining adjectives/nouns†	____くて＿＿、＿＿で＿
Verbs	joining actions	てform
	invitations / suggestions: let’s…/shall… won’t you?	ましょう / ませんか
	modals - Want (to do)	～たい
Conjunctions	simple, common	そして、それから、
Formulaic language	justification, emphasis, giving a reason	だから
Formulaic language	simple expressions of opinion.	basic statements with です
Script	kanji for production	来、先生、買、山、川、海、学校車見、聞、好
Script	kanji for recognition	春、夏、秋、冬、雨、気、年、帰、天、書

† for recognition

Appendix 7 - Further guidance: text types, styles of writing and dictionary use

Further guidance: text types, styles of writing and dictionary use

Text types

The following text types apply to all modules of Japanese Level 2. Teachers will select text types for each module based on the knowledge, skills, experience and interests of learners. Learners will be expected to be able to use the text types listed below in assessment tasks.

Styles of writing

Teacher-developed tasks for Criterion 4 and Criterion 5:

will include purpose, context, process, product and audience
may be personal, informative, descriptive, either individually or in combination.

Dictionaries

Learners are encouraged to use monolingual and bilingual dictionaries. Use of dictionaries is part of a range of strategies that learners can apply in order to:

learn to mediate between languages
reflect on language use
understand the context for language use
understand language as a system
understand the limitations of resources and technologies.

Successful use of dictionaries and translation technologies requires students to understand the characteristics of vocabulary in [Language]† and how [Language] is presented in reference texts. Effective dictionary use is a skill that assists students to develop critical thinking skills, strategies for accurately confirming meaning and creating interest to engage an audience. It is expected that teachers will help students to develop the necessary skills and confidence to use dictionaries effectively. (CCAFL 2021).

† The use of [Language] is taken directly from the CCAFL. It is a national framework which does not refer to individual languages. Where these aspects of the alignment appear elsewhere in the body of this course document, they have been identified in relation to the relevant language: Japanese.