BCE Curriculum

Catholic Perspectives in Languages

The intention of the Languages curriculum is to enable individuals to communicate, be interculturally aware and reflect on themselves as learners and members of the world. Catholic perspectives align closely with these intentions.

Underpinning all of these Catholic perspectives is the Catholic Christian understanding that humans are sacred and social.

It is through the study of Languages that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate and build relationships with others and with the world around them.

Exploration of Catholic perspectives in Languages identifies the value of each person created in the image and likeness of God. Respectful interactions are encouraged so that everyone is enabled to flourish.

Learning a language facilitates an openness of mind to understand our interdependent world. Exploring how another society works broadens our understanding of our own society enabling us to think beyond ourselves and to contribute to the good of the whole of society.

Discovering the nature of another language and culture encourages a greater understanding of the world including a respect for sacred places of diverse groups. Communicating appropriately and participating peacefully breeds mutual respect between peoples and nations. Fairness, truth, justice and solidarity are the foundations for a peaceful world.

How we live together affects the dignity of each person and ultimately the functioning of society. Learning another language allows us to explore non-judgementally the ways of the world and how we might ensure others are treated well and inclusively. Cultural awareness pays attention to issues and situations of social injustice. Literature and resources should not shy away from an ethical dimension and the promotion of a critical response to dilemmas.

In Languages, we reflect on our concept of self-identity and our place in the greater global community. The concept of identity expresses the human desire to form a coherent sense of self through making free choices about who we want to be and what we want to do in the context of relationships. How we respond to the objective dimensions of our identity arises from our relationship with God and others; the world, institutions and history.

Global solidarity is a commitment to strengthen community and promote a just society. Collaborating with others regardless of race, nationality or ethnicity facilitates greater understanding and tolerance of others and their culture thereby increasing solidarity.