Learning
Foreign Languages
WEGC offers a range of languages that students can study, in addition to Maori. Most subjects also offer a range of extracurricular activities that students can be involved in, ranging from cultural groups to trips. Note that students with extensive prior knowledge in a language may be able to begin at a higher level if the timetable permits. For example students with oral fluency in Samoan language may be able to attempt NCEA Level 1 in Year 10. Similarly students with Chinese background can enter Chinese classes at an advanced level. Latin from Year 11 is usually taught by Correspondence.
Progression
| Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
| Chinese | Chinese | Chinese | Chinese | Chinese |
| French | French | French | French | French |
| Latin | Latin | Latin | Latin | Latin |
| Samoan | Samoan H | Samoan H | Samoan H | Samoan H |
H : May begin at this level
Career Paths
Kiwi Careers Website
Here are the career paths recommended for students who have an interest in studying Languages.
Resources
Click hereDepartmental events past, present and future
Noumea Trip
On Monday 6 July 42 students from Years 11,12, and 13 French left for New Caledonia accompanied by 4 adults. We spent a night in Auckland and following an early rise the next morning a very excited group boarded Air New Zealand to begin a wonderful 11 day visit to Noumea. During our stay the girls spent 8 nights in homestay accommodation where they were able to practise their French language skills and improve their fluency. They attended 15 hours of language classes over 5 mornings and in the afternoons spent time with the accompanying Wellington teachers exploring the town, the beaches, the market, the Tjibaou Cultural centre as well as taking a ride on the Petit Train. We were also lucky enough to visit a local college, thanks to a personal contact. A day and a half was spent with students from the College de la Riviere Salee playing table tennis and badminton, attending some of their classes and eating with the local students at the school “cantine”. This was a special experience for all. The highlight for many of our girls, as on every past Noumea trip, was the trip to the Amedee lighthouse on the reef where they were able to snorkel from a glass-bottomed boat in among the many tropical fish. The lighthouse is on a truly idyllic little island with white sand and crystal-clear water.
Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Anderson, Ms.Wilson, and Mr. Calder from Wellington College who accompanied us and thanks also to all the students and parents who helped with the fund-raising for a very successful trip.
Annette Cumming HOD Languages
French Camp Weekend 2008
On 11 March 2008 Mrs Cumming , Ms Anderson, Ms Drouin and over 40 students of French language travelled up to the Forest Lakes Homestead at Otaki for a weekendof French immersion. From the Friday afternoon until midday on Sunday the students participated in games and activities in French, including a quiz, numerous skits and role plays, songs and even dances. On the Saturday evening a wonderful concert with witty and hilarious items from the students entertained us all. We ate French food, including des baguettes, des croissants, de la ratatouille, du filet de boeuf sauce verte, du gratin dauphinois, du fromage et beaucoup de gateaux. All agreed that the food was délicieux.
We all returned home on the Sunday afternoon tired but happy after a very enjoyable weekend
Carrousel theatre
We will have an annual visit from this Australia based couple who offer entertaining puppet shows in the traditional French style using a mix of French and English so that beginners can also enjoy the show. The date will be confirmed shortly.
Alliance Francaise:Speech competitions
Several of our students entered this competition again. It provides a good opportunity to extend one’s skills in French and to build confidence. In 2007 WEGC students who participated in the competition gained second place overall with an average score only .3 of a percentage point behind the winners. Allez, les nôtres!
We will be sending a group of students to compete again in 2009.
