Languages

At Glen Eira College, the study of a language is compulsory until Year 9. Students can choose between three languages:  French, Japanese and Hebrew. 

In French and Japanese students have the option to choose a partial immersion program. In Hebrew students follow an enrichment program that focussed on teaching both the language and cultural aspects of Jewish culture.

    Immersion Programs

    At Glen Eira College, the study of a language is compulsory until Year 9. Students can choose between three languages: French, Japanese and Hebrew. In French and Japanese students have the option to choose a partial immersion program.

    Our French and Japanese Immersion Programs are enhanced programs designed to give motivated students the opportunity to extend their language skills while also learning more about French or Japanese cultures. The programs use the CLIL pedagogy. CLIL stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning meaning that both the content (Humanities or Science) and the language to access this content are taught to students explicitly. English is also used in the class as required.

    Why choose one of our Immersion Programs?

    • Faster Language Development: Students pick up the language more quickly than in traditional classes thanks to regular exposure.
    • Stronger English Skills: Learning in another language improves literacy skills by encouraging connections between languages and deepening understanding of language structure.
    • Boosted Creativity and Problem-Solving: Using another language encourages students to think more creatively and solve problems in new ways.
    • Global Awareness: Bilingual learning opens the door to other cultures and encourages students to confront different perspectives.
    • A positive learning environment: Students learn alongside motivated peers who enjoy academic challenges.
    • More extracurricular opportunities: Competitions, excursions including French and Japanese Film Festivals, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Shrine of Remembrance, French and Japanese restaurants and opportunity to go on trips to New Caledonia or Japan

    French Immersion

    • Aimed at students with no prior knowledge of French.
    • Started in 2014.
    • 3 hours of French a week.
    • 3 hours of Humanities in French a week in Year 7, then 3.5 hours in Year 8 and 9.
    • Drama in French in Year 7.
    • Opportunity to sit for the DELF exam, a French Language Certificate recognised by the French government.
    • The French Immersion Program has been awarded the Label France Education accreditation given by the French government to successful French bilingual school programs.

    What our Students say…

    “The French Immersion program is challenging but it’s also so fun!”
    Kaela

    “Everyone tries to participate in French!”
    Mayon

    “Your parents will be shocked at how much you know!”
    Violet

    “I love it because we learn French while also learning history. We all feel like a big family with the welcoming teachers and students!”
    Laurine

    Japanese Immersion

    • Aimed at both students with no prior knowledge of Japanese, students who have attended a Japanese bilingual primary school and background students.
    • Started in 2017.
    • 3 hours of Japanese a week.
    • 3 hours of Science in Japanese in Year 7, then 3.5 hours in Year 8 and 9.
    • In the Japanese class students with a higher level of Japanese follow an accelerated program and complete Years 7 to 10 Japanese curriculum in 3 years.
    • Opportunity to start VCE Japanese in Year 10 for accelerated students.
    • In 2024, the program won the Dr Lawrie Shears Outstanding Global Teaching and Learning Award given by the Victorian Government.

    What our Students say…

    “I really enjoy the Japanese immersion because it challenges me and gets me to try my hardest!”
    Sienna

    “My favourite thing is having science in Japanese. It’s fun and the experiments are amazing!”
    Wade

    Enhanced Hebrew Program

    Hebrew is offered from Year 7 to Year 9, and the class caters to students of varying levels of proficiency. Both beginners and advanced learners are welcome, and the class is structured according to the students’ levels and individual needs.

    In addition to language acquisition, the program includes Humanities units taught in Hebrew through the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) methodology. In a CLIL classroom, both subject content and language skills are taught simultaneously, which increases student engagement and motivation.

    For example, one unit explores ancient Jewish art, allowing students to deepen their understanding of history and culture while advancing their Hebrew language skills.

    Starting in 2026, an optional after-school Hebrew program will be offered, giving students the opportunity to participate in some fun activities like cooking and photography. Students will be able to develop and practise their Hebrew language skills in a more relax environment.

    GEC est accrédité par le CNED (Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance)

    GEC est aussi accrédité par le Label France Education

    GEC est un membre de l’AAFEBS (Australian Association of French English Bilingual Schools)