Languages
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.
Language courses are designed to encourage students to become more effective communicators who appreciate and understand the importance and relevance of learning a language other than English in a global context.
In Year 7, students study French for half of the year and Japanese for half of the year to develop a range of competencies in both languages.
In Year 8, students continue their study of a language by choosing either French or Japanese. They further develop their communicative skills in their chosen language, in addition to gaining greater understanding of cultural differences, the intersect between language and culture, and the place of language learning in global citizenship.
In Years 9 and 10, students have the opportunity to continue their study of French or Japanese as an elective subject. Students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to enable effective communication in a broad range of contexts, and they continue to deepen their cultural understanding of the French or Japanese-speaking world.
At the end of this course, students are well-equipped to continue their language study in Years 11 and 12. Note that the Stage 5 course is a prerequisite for study of Continuers and Extension language courses in Stage 6, of which the school offers French and Japanese.
Year 11 (Stage 6)
French, Japanese
Year 12 (Stage 6 HSC)
French, French Extension, Japanese, Japanese Extension