In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.
In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.
Languages at Sydney Secondary College - Leichhardt Campus
Learning modern languages in Years 7-10 helps students develop important communication skills and cultural understanding. It also opens up opportunities for future travel, work, and connections with people from different backgrounds.
In Stage 4 modern languages, students typically learn foundational language skills such as basic vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural aspects of the language. They also develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through various activities and exercises. At our school, in Year 7, all students are exposed to two languages – Chinese and French. Each language is taught for one semester. In Year 8, all students must choose between Chinese and French and study at least 100 compulsory hours to be completed over continuous 12-month period. Students are expected to complete set content and achieve the outcomes of the Modern Languages syllabus.
The same choices are offered for students who wish to continue studying languages as an elective subject in Years 9 and 10. It is a great opportunity for students to deepen their interest and to be exposed to the target language through the use of new technology. Our school facilitates the study of Language courses offered through the NSW School of Languages through the librarian.