Languages at Redlands

JAPANESE | On Friday 28th November the Year 9 Japanese class celebrated graduating from Middle School Language studies with some delicious Japanese cuisine at the beautiful Sono Japanese Restaurant Portside.

The students were able to practise polite table manners and put their language learning to good use by ordering meals, drinks and icecream, and thanking their hosts, all in Japanese.

With beautiful river views and a fine dining experience, it is our hope that the students will be inspired to continue their Japanese studies long into the future. They have worked so well this year and this was a rewarding experience for everyone.

🎓🌏 Year 9 Languages at UQ! 🌏🎓

Last Tuesday our Year 9 Spanish and Japanese students had an inspiring and enriching day at The University of Queensland!

Together with other language learners from numerous schools around South-East Queensland, they spent the day engaging in activities in the languages they study, experiencing what it feels like to learn in a real university environment.

💬 They also explored the transferable skills that language learning develops: communication, problem-solving, intercultural understanding, among others, and discovered exciting career pathways that open up when you speak more than one language.

🥁 To finish the day on a high, we were treated to a powerful performance by UQ Taiko, an unforgettable experience for all!

A wonderful day of connection, culture and future possibilities for our young linguists. 🌟

SPANISH | 🌟 What a week last week! 🌟

Our brilliant Year 8 Spanish students took their learning beyond the classroom with an exciting Spanish Treasure Hunt in the city last Monday... and what a day it was!

🗺️ Students followed directions in Spanish all the way to City Hall, where we climbed the iconic clock tower.

🏛️ We then explored the Museum of Brisbane, discovering exhibits with Spanish connections.

➡️ From there, students guided their teacher, in Spanish, the Brisbane Star Building for a well-earned break and stunning city views.

🌮 Lunch was at a Mexican restaurant, where students confidently ordered their meals in Spanish, recycling vocabulary from Semester 1.

🖼️ We wrapped up at the Queensland Art Gallery to complete our treasure hunt with creativity and culture.

It was a full day of fun, action, teamwork, and genuine real-world Spanish use.
So proud of our Year 8s for bringing the language to life! ✨

JAPANESE | Year 11 Japanese class had a fun day enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine as well as leaning new Japanese words/phrases, table manners and customs at Sono Japanese Restaurant on Friday 7 November.

All the attendants who served our table were native Japanese speakers, so the students had to order their drinks and any communication with them was in Japanese. Sono prepared special lunchboxes for us with several different food items for students to taste a variety of food at once. Kakuni pork (braised pork) was one of the most popular dishes amongst us on the day.

As they walked into the tatami room, they learnt to take shoes off, put the shoes together, turn them around so that they can wear them easily as they go out. Also Japanese people do not leave a single grain in their rice bowl, when they finish eating rice. Everyone tried it and did a great job picking up rice with chopsticks until the very last grain. Students left school 'onaka pekopeko (hungry)' and came back to school 'onaka ippai (tummy is full)'.

JAPANESE | Term 4 began with the Year 7 Japanese classes enjoying bento boxes for a special Japanese lunch together.

The children chose from an extensive menu, had the opportunity to use chopsticks and rehearsed mealtime customs.

A particular highlight was the ramune (Japanese lemonade) with special glass bottles.

JAPANESE | On Wednesday 29th October both Year 8 Japanese classes attended an excursion to the Japanese Garden at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.

There they were given lessons on the different aspects of Japanese gardens (such as the importance of stones, water, bridges and plants that mimic natural landscapes and create a sense of calm), as well as haiku poetry and sumi-e (black ink) paintings.

They were provided with Bento lunches and ramune (Japanese lemonade) to enjoy in the peaceful surroundings.

SPANISH | We have heard from one of our Y10 Spanish students on exchange in Spain, Giselle, who has shared this:

We’ve done so many different things and I’ve really enjoyed seeing another country and experiencing new things and learning more about Spain and Spanish culture.
I’ve made quite a few friends, and most people know who we are when we don’t know them haha, but everyone is so nice and friendly!
Recently Peyton, Luna, her mum and I went to Barcelona which was really nice to see. I enjoyed looking at one of the houses built by Gaudi and going inside.

We can't wait to welcome you back and hear more about it all!

SPANISH | It’s that time of the year again!

Our Year 8 Spanish students have been spotted walking around the school blindfolded, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!

This activity helps students practise giving and following directions in Spanish, applying their classroom learning in a hands-on and memorable way.

Beyond language skills, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to build trust and strengthen positive relationships within the classroom. 🤝✨

¡Buen trabajo, chicos!👏

Here's a sneak peek of Sarah's first day on her exchange at Ritsumeikan Uji in Japan. We wish you all the best and we can't wait to hear all about it!

JAPANESE | Our Y10 Japanese student, Sarah, arrived in Japan safely last Sunday night and is currently travelling around Tokyo with her mum prior to her 8-week exchange program. They caught up with Vickie’s exchange partner from when she herself went on an exchange! We love creating memories and fostering long-lasting bonds!

JAPANESE | As part of their study of 'Japanese influence around the world', Year 11 Japanese students learned how 'Cup Noodle' was invented in Japan in 1971.

To celebrate Cup Noodle's 54th birthday on 18 September, the students had a 'Cup Noodle Day' in the class. They tasted 6 different flavours of made in Japan 'Cup Noodle's available in the Brisbane area, and the new Negishio (salt and spring onion) flavour was voted as the most popular flavour.

The students enjoyed the flavours and experienced how easy and convenient to make them. They also discussed whether it's healthy or not/good for environment or not.