Learning Japanese at Warranwood Primary School offers students the opportunity to develop skills, confidence and enjoyment in speaking, reading, writing and listening to Japanese while exploring the rich culture of Japan and its people.

Students participate in weekly 60-minute Japanese lessons from Prep to Year 6 with a specialist teacher. Lessons are child-centred and delivered in the target language as much as possible, supporting authentic language acquisition.

Through learning Japanese, students are given opportunities to:

• Broaden their awareness of the international community

• Understand how language works as a system

• Gain insight into Japanese culture and how it influences language

• Improve their general knowledge

• Explore future study and career pathways where Japanese may be used

Japanese vocabulary is often connected to Integrated Topics studied in classrooms, strengthening cross-curricular links and deeper understanding.

Program Highlights

Some of the highlights of our Languages program include:

• Weekly 60-minute Japanese specialist lessons (Prep–6)

• A Japanese Assistant Teacher program

• ‘Warrior Daiko’ – our Japanese taiko drumming groups

• Video conferencing sessions with schools in Japan

• OzJapan email friends club

• Origami Club

• Japanese Day (biennially)

• International Japan Tour to visit our sister school

Assistant Teacher Program

All students at Warranwood experience Japanese culture not only through classroom learning but also through our Assistant Teacher Program.

Japanese university graduates and teachers join our school community for 6–12 months, volunteering their time and sharing their culture. Assistant Teachers are hosted by Warranwood families for one term at a time, creating meaningful cultural exchange opportunities.

This program:

• Strengthens authentic language learning

• Deepens intercultural understanding

• Builds lasting international connections

• Enriches our school community

It is a unique and highly valued aspect of our Languages program.

Taiko Drumming – Warrior Daiko

Warranwood offers students the rare opportunity to be part of a Japanese Taiko drumming group.

Our Taiko groups represent the school at many events throughout the year, performing with energy, discipline and pride. Taiko builds rhythm, teamwork, coordination and confidence while immersing students in traditional Japanese culture.

Branch Out Sister School Program

Warranwood shares a Japanese Sister School partnership with Kalinda Primary School.

Our sister school relationship began in 2014 with Lilyvale Primary School in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan.

Every second year, Senior School students have the opportunity to participate in a 10-day Japan Tour, including a unique 4-day homestay experience with families from Lilyvale Primary School.

This exchange program:

• Builds authentic intercultural understanding

• Strengthens global citizenship

• Develops independence and resilience

• Deepens real-world language application

In the alternate year to our Japan visit, students and staff from Lilyvale Primary School travel to Australia and stay with Warranwood families, immersing themselves in Australian culture and strengthening our partnership.

Japanese Day (Biennially)

Our much-loved Japanese Day provides students with immersive, hands-on cultural experiences.

Activities may include:

• Cultural workshops

• Traditional games

• Watermelon smashing (Suikawari)

• Sushi experiences

• Cultural dress

• Language immersion activities

Japanese Day celebrates culture, connection and community while bringing learning to life in an engaging and memorable way.