High School

Language Program

Second Language Program: All students study a second language - French, Japanese, German or Italian - to the end of Year 10. Year 7 and 8 students attend a two-day immersion camp in their second language. A beginner level class in a selected language is available for students entering IGS at Year 7. The selected beginner language varies from year to year. Beginner groups study slightly faster and more intensively, and have the same opportunities later to participate in exchange programs.

Third Language Program: All students study a third language (currently Chinese or Spanish) at beginner level in Years 7 and 8. This becomes an elective choice in Years 9 and 10.

Senior Language Study: Students are encouraged to continue their language studies to Year 11 and 12 as HSC subjects. Languages studied in Years 7-10 progress into the Continuers Courses (2 units) of the HSC. In each of these languages it is also possible to sit for a further higher level 1 unit Extension Course. IGS also offers intensive two-year beginner courses in Chinese and Spanish and, when there is demand, Japanese.

Acceleration: Students who are achieving at a very advanced level, and demonstrating mature senior study skills, may be considered for acceleration in their second language study.

Exchange and Travel Opportunities

Experiential learning has the most immediate personal impact on a student's cultural outlook. IGS has established exchange relationships with schools in Montpellier (France), Rovereto (Italy), Madrid (Spain) and Salzgitter (Germany). An unescorted reciprocal exchange takes place every year. IGS students go for a six-week school and homestay experience in late November through to January. A teacher from IGS visits the students at their European school to support them during their exchange. French, German, Spanish and Italian students come to IGS for a six week school and family homestay experience in July/August.

Students also travel in accompanied groups to Japan and China to visit schools and experience homestay. These experiences greatly enhance students' language skills, and their love and understanding of a different culture.