• Languages courses provide students with the opportunity to gain effective skills in communicating in the chosen language, to explore the relationship between languages and English, and to develop an understanding of the cultures associated with the chosen language.
• Students will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for effective interaction in Arabic.
• They will explore the nature of languages as systems by making comparisons between English and Arabic.
• Students will also develop intercultural understandings by reflecting on similarities and differences between their own and the target culture.
• Students will develop the skills to communicate in Arabic. They will listen and respond to spoken language. They will learn to read and respond to written texts in Arabic. Students will establish and maintain communication in familiar situations using Arabic.
• Students will explore the diverse ways in which meaning is conveyed by comparing and contrasting features of Arabic. They develop a capacity to interact with people, their culture and their language.

The aims of studying Arabic in stage 6 are to develop students’:

• Ability to use Arabic to communicate with others
• Understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which Arabic is used
• Ability to reflect on their own culture(s) through the study of other cultures
• Understanding of language as a system
• Ability to make connections between Arabic and English, and/or other languages
• Cognitive, learning and social skills
• Potential to apply Arabic to work, further study, training or leisure.

Upon finishing this course students should be able to:

• exchange information, opinions and experiences in Arabic
• express ideas through the production of original texts in Arabic
• analyse, process and respond to texts that are in Arabic
• understand aspects of the language and culture of Arabic-speaking communities.

Meeting these objectives will involve using the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, either individually or in combination, and being able to move between Arabic and English.

• The study of Arabic contributes to the overall education of students, particularly in the areas of communication, cross-cultural understanding, literacy and general knowledge. It provides access to the culture of Arabic-speaking countries and communities. The study promotes understanding of different attitudes and values within the wider Australian community and beyond.
• Students who have successfully completed Arabic language courses in stage 4 and 5 are highly encouraged to elect the Arabic language subject in stage 6.