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 other than English
Cammeraygal High School offers Japanese, Spanish and French as part of the LOTE program. The program allows students to explore both languages and their cultures throughout the year. All lessons are topic based and students acquire relevant vocabularies and develop a strong understanding of the differences and similarities between cultures. Students in LOTE studies reflect and compare different cultures to their own and expand their world view. The Year 7 LOTE course aims to provide students with opportunities to explore West and East cultures, and allows them to find their own meaning and reasons for furthering their studies of language.
