In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
Learning a language has proven emotional, intellectual and social benefits such as enhanced memory retention and improvement in other key learning areas. Port Hacking High School offers French to Years 8-12.
Students develop communication skills in the target language and explore its culture. Students become more accepting of difference, diversity and develop an understanding of global citizenship. There is the opportunity to travel to France which is an excellent opportunity to broaden their personal and educational horizons.
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.