Languages

Benvenuti! Huānyíng! Welcome to our Languages Program. 
At Melville Senior High School, our Languages program provides students with the opportunity to learn Chinese or Italian in a dynamic and engaging environment. Through interactive lessons, cultural activities, and real-world applications, students gain the confidence to converse in another language while developing a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions of China and Italy.

Students begin their language journey by developing fundamental communication skills. As their proficiency grows, they progress to reading and writing, engaging with authentic materials such as stories, songs, and short films. Conversation with native speakers and cultural explorations help students deepen their understanding, allowing them to connect with the traditions, customs, and daily life of the language they are learning. Through this immersive approach, students build confidence and fluency while gaining a meaningful appreciation for the rich cultural heritage behind the language.

Why study

At Melville SHS, we believe that language learning extends beyond the classroom. Our program offers a variety of engaging activities that bring language and culture to life. Students can taste a variety of traditional dishes and attend exciting excursions reinforcing the idea that language learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Carnevale, and Languages week transform the school with music, performances, and cultural showcases, offering students an exciting way to experience traditions firsthand. Interactive lessons provide opportunities to use their language skills in real-world scenarios, whether ordering food at a café, bargaining at a market, practising Chinese calligraphy, or creating Venetian masks.

Specialised Facilities

Every two years, students can tour China and Italy, visiting historical sites, practising their language skills in real-life settings, and enhancing their language proficiency. 

Our Languages students and staff can take part in tours to China and Italy bi-annually.

Melville SHS has had a sister school relationship with Hangzhou No. 7 Senior High School and have been undertaking reciprocal exchange tours since 2015. Our visits to China have included Beijing and the Great Wall of China, Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai, Hangzhou with family stays and school visits. Our Italy tours have included travels from Milan – The Last Suppe, Florence – Michelangelo’s David and Venice -Doge’s Palace and Canals. This tour also includes a homestay in Carpi, Modena.

Program

Learning a language is compulsory in Years 7 and 8. Students can choose to study one of the following languages:

  • Chinese: Chinese Second Language,
  • Italian: Italian Second Language

Students can continue their chosen Second Language study in Year 9 and 10.

In year 11 and 12, students can select from the following courses:

Chinese:

  • ATAR Chinese Second Language,
  • ATAR Chinese Background Language,
  • ATAR Chinese First Language
  • General Chinese

Italian:

  • ATAR Italian Second Language,
  • ATAR Italian Background Language,
  • General Italian

Students studying an ATAR Language through to Year 12 will receive a 10% bonus on their final ATAR score.

Learning
It is a privilege for the Melville Senior High School community to be on Whadjuk Noongar country since 1960.
It is a privilege for the Melville Senior High School community to be on Whadjuk Noongar country since 1960.
We respectfully acknowledge the past and present Elders and traditional custodians of this boodjar, land, and of the spiritual rainbow serpent the Wagyl.
18 Potts Street, Melville, Western Australia 6156
+61 8 6274 1300
18 Potts Street, Melville, Western Australia 6156
+61 8 6274 1300