Year 11 Korean

Year 11 Korean

Language learning at Year 11 will be a mana-enhancing experience that will allow you to access the language and culture of Korea, as well as developing your awareness and connections to others along the way. You will have opportunities to apply these skills with our sister schools in Korea through both virtual and physical exchanges. Learning a language will broaden your career horizons and allow you to work anywhere in the world with the skills you have developed through your language learning adventure at Westlake.

Common Q&A  

Q: I am Korean, but my Korean is not good and I want to take this subject to improve my Korean. Can I take this course?

A: No. 11KOR does not fit your purpose. Instead, you should take 13NKO (Year 13 Korean for Native Speakers) in Year 13 which is a course designed for background speakers and native speakers to help improve and maintain their Korean language and cultural competency. 

Q: I didn't take Korean in Year 10. Can I still take 11KOR?

A: Yes. 11KOR is an open entry course. You will be supported by the teacher to catch up on the Year 10 contents at the beginning of the year, but you will need to be committed to putting the extra hours outside of class to keep up with the lesson pace. If you want to select 11KOR as a beginner, the best option is to see Mrs Jeen in L block office to receive more information and resources to help you prepare.  

Q: What do the assessments look like for this course?

A: You have two in-class assessments and two formal exams. 

• Assessment 1 (in-class): Write short piece(s) of writing in Korean with resources. 
• Assessment 2 (formal exam): Listen / Read passages in Korean and answer the questions in English. 
• Assessment 3 (in-class): Have conversations using simple spoken Korean. 
• Assessment 4 (formal exam): Listen / Read passages in Korean and answer the questions in English. 

Q: What topics are covered in this course?

A:

• Ako - learning from each other 
• Turangawaewae - the place we stand and belong
• Hauora - well being 
• Whakanui - celebrations 
• Language and cultural exchange with sister schools in Korea through live zoom sessions, online and offline pen pals.
• Cultural workshops such as Korean traditional games, K-POP dance, Taekwondo, calligraphy, tea ceremony, etc. 

Q: How does learning Korean help in careers? 

A: In an increasingly globalised world, knowledge of additional languages and cultures is a considerable career advantage. Learners of Korean will gain the skill set to navigate communication barriers and cultural differences to foster mutual understanding, care, and respect in the workplace.

Additionally, Korean can support and enrich international career opportunities and life experiences. Learning Korean will help students to embark on a gap year and live, work, and study within Korean-speaking countries and communities. This provides students with the valuable opportunity to broaden their horizons, build self-confidence, and learn more about themselves.

Learners of Korean will be able to experience the pleasure of accessing the art and literature of Korean culture at a deeper level. This includes being able to enjoy Korean films, television, music, and books in the original language. They will be able to break down language barriers to extend their own social sphere and grow close personal relationships with a wider range of people.