Students focus on the sounds of the alphabet, in particular the vowel sounds, and ‘c’ (ciao) and ‘ch’ (Chi?), and on intonation patterns and the use of accents. Students...
Students focus on the sounds of the alphabet, in particular the vowel sounds, and ‘c’ (ciao) and ‘ch’ (Chi?), and on intonation patterns and the use of accents. Students are also introduced to nouns and pronouns. They learn simple sentence structure using subject–verb–object order as well as how to form questions. They explore the idea of masculine and feminine gender, how to use singular and plural forms, the negative form non and the placement of adjectives.
Students use Italian for social interactions. The focus is on listening to the sounds, shapes and patterns of Italian through activities. Repetition and recycling help students to identify frequently used words and simple phrases, and to recognise the purpose and intention of simple texts. They identify and use Italian non-verbal communication strategies and experiment with formulaic expressions and one or two-word responses to prompts and cues. Students begin to notice that language use is different in different situations and that Italian speakers communicate in some ways that are different from their own. Students notice that they are part of a connected world which includes many languages and cultures, and they become aware of themselves as communicators in particular cultural contexts and communities.
By the end of Level 2, students use Italian to communicate with their teacher and peers through action-related talk and play. They demonstrate comprehension by responding both verbally and non-verbally. They imitate without always comprehending. They respond to familiar games and routines such as questions about self and family (for example, Come ti chiami? Dove abiti?), and choose among options, for example, in response to questions such as Vuoi il gelato o la caramella? They produce learnt sounds and formulaic expressions (for example, È bello! Non mi piace), or partial phrases, often providing only part of the required response in Italian or using a key word to convey a whole idea. They experiment with and approximate Italian pronunciation, for example, producing vowel sounds and ‘...
By the end of Level 2, students use Italian to communicate with their teacher and peers through action-related talk and play. They demonstrate comprehension by responding both verbally and non-verbally. They imitate without always comprehending. They respond to familiar games and routines such as questions about self and family (for example, Come ti chiami? Dove abiti?), and choose among options, for example, in response to questions such as Vuoi il gelato o la caramella? They produce learnt sounds and formulaic expressions (for example, È bello! Non mi piace), or partial phrases, often providing only part of the required response in Italian or using a key word to convey a whole idea. They experiment with and approximate Italian pronunciation, for example, producing vowel sounds and ‘c’ and ‘ch’ pronunciation with some accuracy. They differentiate between statements and questions according to intonation. They rely on extensive paralinguistic and contextual support such as pictures, gestures and props. They write descriptions, lists, labels and captions, using familiar words and phrases selected from modelled language, for example, rearranging sentence patterns such as Ho sei anni. Sono bravo. Il gelato è buono.
Students recognise that Italian is the national language of Italy. They understand that the Italian alphabet has 21 letters. They are aware that simple sentences follow a pattern, and that nouns require an article and are gendered either masculine or feminine. They understand that there are different ways of addressing friends, family and teachers/other adults. They begin to notice patterns in Italian words and phrases and make comparisons between Italian and English. They are aware of word borrowings and recognise that Italian words and expressions are often used in various English-speaking contexts. They make observations about similarities and differences in the cultural practices of Italians and Australians. They understand that they have their own language(s) and culture(s), and that they are also learners of Italian language and culture.
Students experiment with pronunciation and intonation in Italian, noticing similarities and differences with other familiar languages. They focus on structures and grammatical rules such as those...
Students experiment with pronunciation and intonation in Italian, noticing similarities and differences with other familiar languages. They focus on structures and grammatical rules such as those relating to the use of possessive pronouns, prepositions and negation. They extend their knowledge of definite and indefinite articles, and of gender and singular/plural forms.
The development of oral proficiency requires rich language input in different modes and from different sources. Students develop active listening skills and respond through action-related talk. They strengthen their comprehension skills, using contextual and grammatical cues as well as phonic and non-verbal cues. The language they encounter is authentic, with modification when necessary, involving familiar vocabulary and simple structures. Students are supported to use the language themselves in familiar contexts and situations. They continue to build vocabulary which can be adapted for different purposes, and to control simple grammatical forms to communicate in familiar contexts.
As they encounter Italian language and culture students make comparisons with their own language(s) and culture(s) and consider their own ways of communicating. This leads to exploring concepts of commonality and difference, and of identity, and to thinking about what it means to speak more than one language.
By the end of Level 4, students understand a range of spoken, written, and multimodal texts on familiar topics, including home life, friends and classroom activities. They use Italian to communicate and to interact, for example, to exchange greetings and to address people, using appropriate language and pronunciation, and often formulaic expressions. They ask and respond to simple questions, often by selecting between alternatives provided, by using short spoken responses which may consist of incomplete or partial Italian phrases and structures, or by using a key word to convey a whole idea. They talk about self, family, people, places, routine, school life and their own interests and preferences, for example, Com’è la tua casa? La mia casa è grande, Ci sono due camere da letto e due...
By the end of Level 4, students understand a range of spoken, written, and multimodal texts on familiar topics, including home life, friends and classroom activities. They use Italian to communicate and to interact, for example, to exchange greetings and to address people, using appropriate language and pronunciation, and often formulaic expressions. They ask and respond to simple questions, often by selecting between alternatives provided, by using short spoken responses which may consist of incomplete or partial Italian phrases and structures, or by using a key word to convey a whole idea. They talk about self, family, people, places, routine, school life and their own interests and preferences, for example, Com’è la tua casa? La mia casa è grande, Ci sono due camere da letto e due bagni. Mi piace la mia camera da letto. They use short sentences, often reorganising known language to fit personal responses, for example, Giochi domani?Sì/no/Forse. Students understand short written texts and are beginning to read independently, using visual cues, prediction and questioning to decipher meaning. They recall key ideas and events, recognise meanings, and respond meaningfully. Students create written texts of a few sentences using familiar language and structures.
Students recognise that language is used differently in different situations and contexts. They understand the importance of using appropriate language when interacting in Italian, including informal/formal language, and the use of titles and gestures. They vary their responses and statements by choosing adjectives and adverbs, and by combining sentences. They build understanding of Italian grammatical rules, such as the fact that nouns have masculine or feminine gender and singular and plural forms, and that nouns, adjectives and articles need to agree. They notice similarities and differences in the patterns of Italian language compared to English and other familiar languages. They create texts that show understanding of how ideas are connected and how images support the meaning of texts. They make connections to personal experience when describing characters, events or cultural practices and behaviours encountered in texts. They notice that there are cultural differences in ways of communicating and can describe similarities and differences between their own and other cultures.
Students increase their range of Italian language vocabulary, grammatical knowledge and textual knowledge. They learn how to describe present and immediate future actions, situations and events...
Students increase their range of Italian language vocabulary, grammatical knowledge and textual knowledge. They learn how to describe present and immediate future actions, situations and events using familiar verbs. They use adverbs, adjectives and prepositions to create more complex sentences. They develop a metalanguage to describe patterns, rules and variations in language
Students consider how language features and expressions reflect cultural values and experiences (for example, language variation relating to gender, generation, status or cultural context). This leads them to considering their own ways of communicating and to thinking about personal and community identities, stereotypes and perspectives reflected in language.
Students’ pronunciation, intonation and phrasing are more confident, and they access wider vocabulary resources and use non-verbal strategies appropriately to support communication. They participate in shared tasks and purposeful language experiences as well as focusing explicitly on language structures and systems, literacy skills and cultural elements of communication.
Oracy development at this level includes active listening to a range of input from different sources, and building interactional skills. Students learn skills in ‘reading’ language for cultural and contextual meaning. Oral-presentation and performance skills are developed through researching and organising information, rehearsing and resourcing the content of presentations, and selecting appropriate language to engage particular audiences.
By the end of Level 6, students interact using spoken and written Italian to describe and give information about themselves, family, friends, home and school routines, experiences, interests, preferences and choices. They talk about aspects of their environment, express opinions, for example, È buonissimo ...è molto bravo, mi piace di più ...,penso di sì/no, secondo me..., accept or reject ideas, agree and disagree, for example, No, non sono d’accordo! Hai ragione/torto. They ask simple questions, for example, Ti piace? Cosa prendi? Chi viene alla festa? Vieni anche tu? They understand the main points in spoken interactions consisting of familiar language in simple sentences. They display some consistency in the use of pronunciation and intonation. They understand short written texts...
By the end of Level 6, students interact using spoken and written Italian to describe and give information about themselves, family, friends, home and school routines, experiences, interests, preferences and choices. They talk about aspects of their environment, express opinions, for example, È buonissimo ...è molto bravo, mi piace di più ...,penso di sì/no, secondo me..., accept or reject ideas, agree and disagree, for example, No, non sono d’accordo! Hai ragione/torto. They ask simple questions, for example, Ti piace? Cosa prendi? Chi viene alla festa? Vieni anche tu? They understand the main points in spoken interactions consisting of familiar language in simple sentences. They display some consistency in the use of pronunciation and intonation. They understand short written texts with some variation in sentence structures and some unfamiliar vocabulary. In reading independently, they begin to use context, questioning, and bilingual dictionaries to decode the meaning of unfamiliar language. They connect ideas in different informative and creative texts, expressing and extending personal meaning by giving reasons or drawing conclusions. Students create sentences with some elaboration, for example, using coordinating conjunctions and comparisons to build short coherent texts on familiar topics, for example, La musica di ... è bella, ma mi piace di più ... They write descriptions, letters, messages, summaries, invitations and narratives. They use the present tense of verbs, noun and adjective agreements and some adverbs; they choose vocabulary appropriate to the purpose of the interaction, such as to describe, to plan or to invite.
Students have developed some metalanguage to talk about both linguistic and cultural features. They discern familiar patterns and features of written and spoken language and compare them with English, understanding that language, images and other features of texts reflect culture. They demonstrate some understanding of variation in language use, adapting language forms according to audience and context. They recognise and are comfortable with linguistic and cultural differences, understand the multilingual and multicultural character of Australian society, and have some awareness that dialects are spoken both in Italy and in Italian-speaking communities around the world. Through questioning and discussion they build intercultural understanding, participating in reflective and comparative work in Italian and English.
Students consolidate their understanding and use of regular forms and familiar grammatical structures. They expand their understanding through noticing variation and non-standard forms, for example...
Students consolidate their understanding and use of regular forms and familiar grammatical structures. They expand their understanding through noticing variation and non-standard forms, for example, dialects used in the local community. They also notice exceptions to rules, for example, irregular forms. They learn to experiment with past and future tenses in their own texts.
Students explore different modes and genres of communication. They use modelled and rehearsed language in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts and begin to generate some original language. They pool language knowledge and resources, and plan, problem-solve, monitor and reflect. Students learn how to closely analyse the relationship between language and culture to identify cultural references in texts and consider how language communicates perspectives and values. They compare their own language(s) and Italian, and reflect on intercultural experiences, including the process of moving between languages and cultural systems.
By the end of Level 8, students use spoken and written Italian to interact in a range of personal and social contexts. They describe or present people, places, events or conditions; discuss likes, dislikes and preferences; present information; recount and narrate events; and talk about personal, social and school worlds, for example, Ecco mio padre. Si chiama Edoardo. Ha quarantadue anni. They understand main points and some specific details in a range of texts organised around known content and including some unfamiliar language. They express and understand feelings when corresponding with others, making connections between language used and cultural concepts expressed. They respond to and create simple informational and imaginative texts, for example, Io comincio la scuola alle otto...
By the end of Level 8, students use spoken and written Italian to interact in a range of personal and social contexts. They describe or present people, places, events or conditions; discuss likes, dislikes and preferences; present information; recount and narrate events; and talk about personal, social and school worlds, for example, Ecco mio padre. Si chiama Edoardo. Ha quarantadue anni. They understand main points and some specific details in a range of texts organised around known content and including some unfamiliar language. They express and understand feelings when corresponding with others, making connections between language used and cultural concepts expressed. They respond to and create simple informational and imaginative texts, for example, Io comincio la scuola alle otto e mezzo. Le materie che studio sono l’inglese, la matematica, le scienze e la storia. They express views on familiar topics and make comparisons, adding their own opinions or reasons, for example, Mi piace il mio amico perché è buffissimo. Mi piace anche perché è veramente intelligente. They apply their understanding that texts vary according to purpose and audience, and use contextual clues, questioning and bilingual dictionaries to identify, interpret and summarise the meaning of familiar and some unfamiliar language. They give some justification for their interpretations of texts. They ask questions and seek clarification. Students create cohesive and coherent texts for different purposes on a range of familiar topics, using appropriate language structures and vocabulary, including different modal verbs and tenses, for example, Non posso venire alla partita perché devo studiare. They use conjunctions, adjectives and adverbs to elaborate meanings, for example, La professoressa di matematica è molto simpatica ma il professore di educazione fisica è qualche volta troppo severo.
Students understand and use metalanguage to explain aspects of language and culture. They identify features of text types such as letters, emails, descriptions and narratives. They are aware that language is chosen to reflect contexts of situation and culture, and recognise differences between standard, dialectal and regional forms of Italian. They analyse the impact of technology and media on communication and language forms, the influence of Italian and English on one another, and the interrelationship of language and culture. They recognise that languages do not always translate directly. They reflect on how they interpret and respond to intercultural experience, and to aspects of Italian language and culture, and consider how their responses may be shaped by their own language(s) and culture(s).
The focus of learning Italian shifts to expanding students range and control of the linguistic systems to develop the sophistication of language use. They learn to choose appropriate tenses, to...
The focus of learning Italian shifts to expanding students range and control of the linguistic systems to develop the sophistication of language use. They learn to choose appropriate tenses, to identify and create mood, and to use cohesive devices to create extended texts. They continue to build a metalanguage, using specific terms to assist understanding and control of grammar and textual conventions (for example, adverbs, conditional, imperative, subjunctive, past tenses, reflexive verbs).
At this stage students experiment with a range of communication modes. Through their greater control of language structures and growing understanding of the variability of language use, students become more confident in communicating in a range of contexts. Students use Italian to interact and communicate; to access, exchange and present information; to express feelings and opinions; to participate in imaginative and creative experiences; and to interpret, analyse and create a range of texts and experiences. They use Italian more fluently and monitor their accuracy and use against their knowledge of grammar and associated systems. They explore intercultural experiences more deliberately, noting the influence of technology, media and globalisation on language use and communication.
By the end of Level 10, students use written and spoken Italian to interact with others in a range of contexts and for a range of purposes. They discuss topics such as education, work, the environment and youth issues as well as concepts from a range of learning areas. They recount experiences, and express feelings and opinions, agreement and disagreement, using present, past and future tenses, and linking statements with both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, for example, Era stanca, così non è uscita. Non mi piace quel romanzo perché è triste! Prima siamo andati al cinema, poi siamo andati a prendere un gelato. They demonstrate grammatical control when using complex sentences. They create a range of connected texts and interact with some degree of personalisation on a variety...
By the end of Level 10, students use written and spoken Italian to interact with others in a range of contexts and for a range of purposes. They discuss topics such as education, work, the environment and youth issues as well as concepts from a range of learning areas. They recount experiences, and express feelings and opinions, agreement and disagreement, using present, past and future tenses, and linking statements with both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, for example, Era stanca, così non è uscita. Non mi piace quel romanzo perché è triste! Prima siamo andati al cinema, poi siamo andati a prendere un gelato. They demonstrate grammatical control when using complex sentences. They create a range of connected texts and interact with some degree of personalisation on a variety of subjects related to their own interests. They participate in classroom discussions, present and communicate personal thoughts and opinions, and account for and sustain a particular point of view, for example, Non c’ è dubbio che … Credo che questi articoli offrano solo un punto di vista. They identify key ideas in different text types dealing with both concrete and abstract topics. They follow the development and relationship of ideas, identifying, for example, identifying sequencing, cause and effect, and consequences. They compare and evaluate ideas across languages and cultures, for example, Secondo me … dal mio punto di vista … per quanto mi riguarda. I giovani italiani sono più interessati nella politica. They discuss future plans and aspirations. Students develop and defend interpretations of texts and diverse points of view, and elaborate, clarify and qualify ideas using supporting evidence and argument. They present real or imaginary events and experiences in narratives, descriptions and recounts. They translate texts and produce bilingual texts, recognising that not all concepts can necessarily be rendered fully in another language.
Students reflect on their experience of learning Italian language and culture. They exchange opinions and responses, noting how these may have changed over time. They consider how writers and speakers make choices when using language, and make connections between language used, cultural concepts expressed and their own experiences or views. They reflect on their own and others’ use of language, the language choices made, and the cultural assumptions or understandings which shape them. They consider how culture affects communication and the making and interpreting of meaning, and how languages reflect cultures.
Students become familiar with the Italian pronunciation and sound system, noting similarities and differences with English. They build a vocabulary about people and objects in their immediate worlds...
Students become familiar with the Italian pronunciation and sound system, noting similarities and differences with English. They build a vocabulary about people and objects in their immediate worlds. They learn how to use definite and indefinite articles. They learn how to form singular and plural nouns, to recognise patterns of noun categories and to understand the general rule of gender and agreement. Students learn simple sentence construction (subject–verb–object), enriched by the use of adjectives. They create their own texts mainly using the present tense of regular and common irregular verbs. They gradually build more extended texts, using cohesive devices. Students develop language for interacting with the teacher and each other. They learn to distinguish between formal and informal register. They develop a metalanguage to describe and discuss the features of Italian.
Students use different communication modes and different text genres. They learn to use modelled and rehearsed language in familiar contexts and begin to use Italian to create and communicate their own meanings. They learn how to make observations about the relationship between language and culture, particularly through comparing what they learn in Italian to their own language(s) and culture(s). They identify cultural references in texts and consider how language reflects practices, perspectives and values. They reflect on the processes involved in using different languages at different times, being involved with different cultures, and developing their capability as learners of Italian.
By the end of Level 8, students engage in social interaction to exchange greetings and to share ideas and information related to their personal, social and school worlds. They use known phrases to exchange ideas and opinions, for example, Non mi piace la pallacanestro. They participate in classroom routines and respond to classroom instructions, questions and directions. They approximate Italian sound patterns such as consonant combinations, clear vowel sounds and unaspirated consonants. They use gesture and some formulaic expressions to support oral interaction. Students use well-rehearsed language related to their personal experiences (for example, stating preferences in sports, leisure activities and entertainment), in both spoken and written forms, and predominantly in the present...
By the end of Level 8, students engage in social interaction to exchange greetings and to share ideas and information related to their personal, social and school worlds. They use known phrases to exchange ideas and opinions, for example, Non mi piace la pallacanestro. They participate in classroom routines and respond to classroom instructions, questions and directions. They approximate Italian sound patterns such as consonant combinations, clear vowel sounds and unaspirated consonants. They use gesture and some formulaic expressions to support oral interaction. Students use well-rehearsed language related to their personal experiences (for example, stating preferences in sports, leisure activities and entertainment), in both spoken and written forms, and predominantly in the present tense. They demonstrate understanding of information from a range of factual and creative texts. They use learnt structures to create texts such as, captions, descriptions, conversations and correspondence, providing information about themselves, their personal worlds and immediate needs, interests and preferences. They produce simple descriptions with appropriate use of definite and indefinite articles, adjectives and adverbs. They connect ideas using conjunctions such as e, ma, però, anche, perché and invece to create simple texts using known vocabulary and structures.
Students are aware of similarities between Italian and English and understand that they borrow from each other. They recognise that literal translation between languages is not always possible. They reflect on how culture is evident in experiences, images and texts. They understand and use metalanguage to explain aspects of language and culture, and use simple statements to identify features of text types such as letters, emails, descriptions and narratives. They are aware that language reflects contexts of situation and culture, and recognise differences between standard, dialectal and regional forms of Italian. They analyse the impact of technology and media on communication and language forms, the influence of Italian and English on one another, and the interrelationship of language and culture. They reflect on how they interpret and respond to aspects of Italian language and culture, and to intercultural experience, and consider how their response may be shaped by their own language(s) and culture(s).
Students’ vocabulary and grammar usage is increased and experimentation occurs with different forms of communication. Students use Italian to communicate and interact with each other and with...
Students’ vocabulary and grammar usage is increased and experimentation occurs with different forms of communication. Students use Italian to communicate and interact with each other and with online resources, to access and exchange information, to express feelings and opinions, to participate in imaginative and creative experiences, and to design, interpret and analyse a range of texts and experiences. They develop strategies for self-correction by referencing their developing understanding of grammar and context. They explore language variation and change, noticing how intercultural experience, technology, media and globalisation influence language use and forms of communication. Students investigate links between the Italian language and culture. They learn to analyse and reflect on different viewpoints and experiences, including their own cultural stances, actions and responses.
Students experiment with intonation and supporting gestures to convey emotions or create emphasis in texts. They learn to use possessive, reflexive, demonstrative and relative pronoun forms. They extend their use of language beyond familiar contexts. They use verbs (irregular and reflexive) and increase their range of adjectives and adverbs, comparatives and superlatives. Students learn to construct more extended texts by using relative clauses and by relating episodes in time (for example, prima … poi … infine). They use the present perfect, imperfect and future tenses, and begin using the conditional tense. They continue to expand language for interaction, initiating and maintaining conversations, seeking clarification and repetition, and contributing to structured discussions in Italian.
By the end of Level 10, students use a range of everyday language both orally and in writing to exchange information about their personal, social, local and about broader issues of personal significance. They communicate thoughts and opinions; make comparisons and contrasts (for example, a differenza di; invece), and offer reasons for points of view, opinions and preferences. They express desires and plans for the future. They give presentations, and formulate and respond to a range of questions. They interpret information and attitudes in a range of informational and imaginative texts. They create written texts such as descriptions, narratives and recounts that convey experiences, ideas and emotions. They give detailed descriptions; describe and relate episodes in time (prima … poi … infine
By the end of Level 10, students use a range of everyday language both orally and in writing to exchange information about their personal, social, local and about broader issues of personal significance. They communicate thoughts and opinions; make comparisons and contrasts (for example, a differenza di; invece), and offer reasons for points of view, opinions and preferences. They express desires and plans for the future. They give presentations, and formulate and respond to a range of questions. They interpret information and attitudes in a range of informational and imaginative texts. They create written texts such as descriptions, narratives and recounts that convey experiences, ideas and emotions. They give detailed descriptions; describe and relate episodes in time (prima … poi … infine); and qualify statements, for example, through the use of relative clauses. They use simple subject–verb–object constructions, extending or qualifying their message by, for example, adding complements or using modal verbs or comparatives. They produce bilingual texts, plan what needs to be communicated to particular audiences and consider different perspectives.
Students have developed a metalanguage to analyse and discuss features of language choice and use and cultural practice. They analyse texts, noticing features such as tone, sequences and relationships of events in time. They communicate their thoughts with awareness of different perspectives on issues or practices being discussed. They recognise that Italian language use varies according to context, purpose and mode. They consider social and cultural practices of Italians in Italy and in the diaspora, including communities in Australia. They are aware of particular issues relating to translating between Italian and English, such as words with similar meanings and 'false friends', and recognise that certain concepts cannot be translated readily from Italian to English and from English into Italian. They reflect on ways in which language and culture together create meanings, and on ways in which their own linguistic and cultural assumptions come into play in using and learning Italian. They recognise the role of language and culture in shaping experience, and the ways in which their own past experiences shape their identity.
