Learning another language extends students' ability and knowledge in several ways.

It helps them consider aspects of another culture and take a new look at their own accepted patterns of thought.

It improves their English through broadening their understanding of how language is created and used, as well as promoting listening, observation and reading skills.

It helps students to relate positively to people from a non English speaking background and it gives them a whole new language of communication with which to approach our increasingly complex and multicultural existence.

Year 7 & 8 French and Indonesian Students enrolling in Year 7 may be offered a choice of either French or Indonesian. Once chosen they will continue that language until the end of Year 8.

Both these beginner courses are designed to develop students' basic communication skills in the language, and no previous experience of the chosen language is necessary.

Year 9 & 10 LOTE Both French and Indonesian will be offered as a core extension in Year 9 to those who have successfully completed Year 8 in the language.

The course will introduce students to a more sophisticated use of the language and emphasise active verbal participation and creative approaches to written work.

French and Indonesian will be offered as a core extension in Year 10 to those who have successfully completed the language in Year 9. The course aims to ensure that all students have extensive communication skills and a sound grammatical understanding of the language prior to VCE.

Overseas study tours are organised regularly for students studying either French or Indonesian beyond Year 9 level.

VCE Units 1 - 4 Units 1 and 2 of the VCE course are designed to incorporate preparation for Units 3 and 4 with the aim of ensuring that students have plenty of time to familiarise themselves with both the style of assessment used in Year 12, and the level of language competence expected of them.

Languages by Distance Education A number of languages are available through the Victorian School of Languages. Where possible, Portland Secondary College provides some support for students studying a language through the VSL. Students usually enrol in a language through the VSL in Year 9. Students must pay a subject fee for each subject taken through the Victorian School of Languages to that school.

Indigenous Languages of Victoria: Revival and Reclamation This study is available at Years 11 and 12 for Indigenous students only. The language area is Gunditjmara/Warrnambool Language (Warrnambool - Portland).

Auslan At various times Auslan is made available for sequential units from Years 7 - 12. Please contact us for details.