Languages – Italian

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

At Lavalla students study Italian as a second language. They are given the opportunity to develop new language skills, understand and embrace a different culture and become true citizens of our multilingual and multicultural world.

In the Learning Area of Languages our programs aim to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills so that our students:

  • Communicate effectively in Italian.
  • Use verbal and nonverbal communication necessary for the effective understanding and production of language.
  • Are aware of the culture, history and geography of a country other than their own.
  • Understand the relationship between language, culture and learning.
  • Understand and respect other people’s views and ways of life.

We are very passionate about teaching and learning Italian and embracing a different culture; we love to pass on our passion for language learning to our students.

Years 7 and 8

All of our students study Italian in years 7 and 8 and are introduced to the beauty of the Italian Language and Culture. They become active speakers of Italian through learning about grammar rules, speaking in rehearsed and impromptu conversations, listening to music, singing, reading books, participating in role-plays and learning about the Italian geography and lifestyle.

Years 9 to 12

Students can continue to study Italian in the elective program through to VCE studies.

At Lavalla we have a vibrant program which provides the students with a variety of cultural and language experiences. In our classes students are actively engaged in language activities which equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in this learning area.

Our school has a long and successful tradition in the prestigious Dante Alighieri Society Poetry Competitions. Students have the opportunity to recite famous poems and also write original poems.

Our students are also given the opportunity to apply for the three week Study Tour of Italy where they visit the famous landmarks and also attend our sister school in Padua. The tour is offered every second year with a reciprocal visit from the Italian students in the alternate year. This is a very successful and well established program.