Selamat datang (Welcome)
The Language program at Greenwood Primary School focuses on the national language and culture of our closest neighbour, Indonesia.
At Greenwood Primary School the Indonesian language is taught under the instruction of a specialist teacher in a dedicated language classroom.
Our school beliefs are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure that our students can:
- Communicate effectively when listening, speaking, reading, and writing
- Understand the language and culture and develop an intercultural capability when communicating
- Develop an understanding of and respect for the diversity and differences of other cultures
To encourage the early acquisition of a second language, the digital ELLA Indonesian language program has been implemented in Kindergarten – Year 1 classrooms. The ELLA program is coordinated by the Early Childhood teachers.
Bahasa Indonesia is taught using an explicit teaching model and co-operative learning strategies. Digital Technology and peer tutoring are embedded in the program and student-centred activities that maintain student interest and enhance students’ positive interactions are used.
Greenwood Primary School uses a whole school approach to language learning. The specialist teacher works collaboratively with classroom teachers and other specialist teachers ensuring that through cross-curricular activities the language program and culture are integrated into other curriculum areas.
Examples of how Indonesian is linked to other Learning Areas are:
- Indonesian music and dance are taught by the music specialist and showcased during the Harmony Week assembly
- Indonesian greetings are embedded in assemblies
- Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated in all year levels and students enjoy playing traditional Indonesian games e.g. congklak, knuckle bones, sepak takraw etc
- Indonesian visual artwork is displayed in the classrooms and administration foyer
- Indonesian cooking demonstrations enhance Indonesian cuisine and culture
- Sustainability – plastics and recycling in Indonesia and Australia, palm oil and deforestation enhance students’ understandings of environmental issues
- The music specialist has included gamelan music in her program and Year 3 and 4 students create and perform their own versions of gamelan music
- The Noongar language and culture are embedded in the curriculum at Greenwood Primary School; enabling students to make connections between the indigenous peoples of Australia and Indonesia and the challenges and experiences that both countries share
Why study Indonesian?
Indonesia is our nearest, largest neighbour, and the fourth most populated nation in the world. Indonesia has a large and rapidly growing economy and is an Australian trading partner.
- Multi-lingual students have enhanced career opportunities in Indonesia e.g. business, government, education, tourism, the military, medicine, mining, engineering etc. Around 400 Australian companies including BHP Billiton, Telstra, The Commonwealth Bank and ANZ are currently operating in Indonesia
- Indonesian is one of the easiest languages to learn, Bahasa Indonesia uses the same alphabet as the English language and is phonetic
- It increases interpersonal skills and cultural awareness and improves one’s thinking and communication skills
- Indonesian broadens students’ view of the world and assists them in becoming more globally aware citizens who develop an understanding and respect for other cultures, people, and their ways of thinking
- Students’ english skills and understandings are enhanced e.g. grammar, tenses, and gender
- Indonesian is taught at Warwick Senior High School providing a pathway for students wishing to continue with language learning
Indonesia is a fascinating and affordable country in which to travel, study or work. In an increasingly connected world, being able to communicate effectively with those of different cultural and religious backgrounds is an essential skill.