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.
Italian
Students studying Italian will have the opportunity to develop their communication skills in a language other than English.
The course involves reading, writing, listening and speaking and will focus on interactive tasks in the following topic areas.
- Family and friend
- School
- Hobbies
- Travel and transport
- Food
- Pets and animals
- Art and music
- Geography and culture
Students will link the world of Italy to their current experiences and broaden their multicultural awareness in the process. It will also enable students to develop communication skills, focus on languages as systems and gain insights into the relationship between language and culture, leading to lifelong personal, educational and vocational benefits.
Other Languages
The study of a number of languages other than Italian can be accomodated through Distance Education or The Open High School.
