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.
Currently most students in Year 8 are introduced to Japanese language and culture and have the option of continuing to study the languuage in Years 9 and 10, and even to HSC level.
Some Year 8 students learn French instead of Japanese, and we also have staff members who can teach Italian and Spanish.
At Kelso High, languages are part of the HSIE faculty.
