Gagana Samoa Year 9 Course Entries

This compilation of entries represents an overview of the Gagana Samoa Year 9 curriculum, based on available resources. The information is organized thematically.

Unit 1: O A O LE SAMOA (What is Samoa?)

This unit explores the concept of Samoan identity.

• Activities: Students engage in group discussions and presentations on the topic "O afi o le Samoa" (The fires of Samoa), exploring various aspects of Samoan culture and identity. They analyze a poem titled "O A O LE SAMOA," discussing its meaning, themes, and poetic devices. Students also compose their own poems on related themes, such as "O LO NU" (My Village).
• Focus: Oral presentation skills, comprehension, literary analysis, creative writing.

Unit 2: O TAMA A TAGATA (Children of the People)

This unit focuses on Samoan language usage and cultural practices within the family and community.

• Activities: Students analyze a short story titled "O TAMA A TAGATA E FAFAGA I UPU MA TALA" (Children of the People are Fed with Words and Stories), focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context. They practice using different levels of Samoan language formality (Gagana o Aso Uma - everyday language, Gagana Faaloalo - respectful language, Gagana Fauigalua - poetic language, Gagana o Lauga - formal speech). They also role-play scenarios involving cultural protocols, such as greeting guests and expressing gratitude.
• Focus: Reading comprehension, language formality, cultural protocols, oral communication.

Unit 3: O LO IGA (My Family)

This unit explores the structure and dynamics of the Samoan family.

• Activities: Students analyze a poem titled "O Lofi Aiga" (My Family), discussing its themes and vocabulary. They engage in discussions and written exercises about family roles, responsibilities, and relationships. They also practice writing different types of letters, such as letters of appreciation, requests, and complaints. Additional activities include creating family trees, maps of their villages, and role-playing family interactions.
• Focus: Family structures, relationships, cultural values, written and oral communication.

Unit 4: flUALA O FAflSALALAUGA: NUSIPEPA (Media: Newspapers)

This unit focuses on understanding and analyzing news and media in the Samoan language.

• Activities: Students examine different sections of Samoan newspapers, identifying their purpose and target audience. They analyze news articles, focusing on structure, language, and bias. They also practice writing their own news reports, advertisements, and letters to the editor. Additional activities include role-playing a press conference and creating a class newspaper.
• Focus: Media literacy, news analysis, journalistic writing, oral presentation skills.

Unit 5: O LE FONO (The Meeting)

This unit focuses on the language and protocols of Samoan meetings.

• Activities: Students analyze a dialogue titled "O LE FONO" (The Meeting), focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context. They practice using formal language appropriate for meetings. They also role-play different roles in a meeting, such as chairperson, secretary, and participants. Additional activities include writing meeting agendas, minutes, and announcements.
• Focus: Formal Samoan language, meeting procedures, cultural protocols, oral communication.

Unit 6: SAALIALIGA (Research)

This unit introduces students to research methodologies and report writing in the Samoan language.

• Activities: Students learn about the steps involved in conducting research, including formulating research questions, gathering data, analyzing information, and writing a report. They practice these skills by conducting a small-scale research project on a topic of their choice.
• Focus: Research methodologies, data analysis, report writing, academic Samoan language.

Unit 7: Aganu'u ma Agaifanua (Culture and Customs)

This unit delves deeper into Samoan cultural practices and their significance.

• Activities: Students explore various aspects of Samoan culture, including traditional customs, food preparation (e.g., making taufolo - a Samoan dish), and the role of family and community. They also learn about traditional Samoan counting methods for different items (e.g., 'ulu - breadfruit, i'a - fish, talo - taro).
• Focus: Cultural understanding, traditional practices, vocabulary related to food and customs.

Unit 8: Tapu'eina o Tomai i Ala Fa'asalalau (Developing Skills in Media)

This unit focuses on developing media literacy skills.

• Activities: Students analyze various forms of media, including radio, television, newspapers, and the internet, focusing on their impact on Samoan language and culture. They learn to critically evaluate media messages and identify different techniques used in advertising and other forms of communication. They also practice creating their own media messages, such as posters and advertisements.
• Focus: Media literacy, critical thinking, media analysis, creative media production.

Unit 9: Sa'ili'iliga (Research)

This unit further develops research skills, emphasizing student-led projects.

• Activities: Students conduct more in-depth research projects on topics related to Samoan culture, language, or society. They learn to formulate research questions, gather data from various sources, analyze their findings, and present their results in a formal report. Example projects include researching and presenting on traditional Samoan dances (siva faaganufi) and exploring student perspectives on Christianity.
• Focus: Independent research, data analysis, report writing, presentation skills.