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.
At Concord High School we offer:
- Chinese
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
The importance of learning a second language
In our rapidly changing world, students are exposed to diverse cultures, advanced information, and communication technologies daily through globalisation and the current ease of travelling.
When students study a foreign language, it allows them to respond positively to diversity and be respectful of others, especially in the multicultural environment that exists at Concord High School.
Contemporary research and practice have established a clear link between the learning of languages and improved literacy skills for both background speakers and second language learners. Even limited experience of the learning of languages is shown to increase metalinguistic awareness and enhance general cognitive development.
Why study Chinese?
Chinese – Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world with one out of five people able to speak Chinese – Mandarin. Chinese is spoken in countries and communities such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Mongolia, Vietnam and Australia. Studying Chinese at Concord gives students the skills and abilities to interact with one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
Why study French?
French is one of the major languages in the world. It is used in parts of Europe, Canada, North America, Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific region close to Australia, in countries such as New Caledonia, Tahiti and Vanuatu. Studying French at Concord exposes students to a range of experiences including the richness and diversity of the art, cuisine, literature, film and music of French-speaking communities.
Why study Italian?
Italian is recognised as one of the most beautiful spoken languages on the planet. Knowing Italian helps you fully appreciate the richness of Italian literature, theatre, opera and files. Learning Italian at Concord encourages students to think about details of language usage and contributes to improving writing and speaking skills.
Why study Japanese?
Japanese is the official language of Japan, a nation of islands located in the East Asia region. The Japanese language is also widely used by communities of speakers in Hawaii, Peru and Brazil, and learnt as an additional language by large numbers of students in the Republic of Korea, China, Indonesia and Australia.
Japanese is the language used by the Japanese for various purposes, including education, business and media communication. Some dialect variations are used in spoken interactions in different regions of the country.
Through learning Japanese language at Concord, students will engage in intercultural experiences, developing new ways of seeing and being in the world, and to understand more about themselves in the process.
What students learn
Students learn a range of knowledge and skills throughout high school in Languages.
Stage 4
In Year 7, students study either Chinese, French, Italian or Japanese for 6 periods per fortnight for the year. Students study the topics: all about me, school, past time and sport, my family and food. Students develop their knowledge and skills to be able to talk about these topics in the target language. They learn about the cultural differences and gain a greater understanding of how customs vary from one culture to another. Students develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the target language.
Stage 5
In Stage 5, Languages is offered as an elective subject over a 2-year period. The languages offered are Chinese, French, Italian and Japanese. Students do not require prior knowledge of the target language to select the subject as an elective in Year 9.
Stage 6 Preliminary and HSC courses
All the language courses offered in the preliminary and HSC course are Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) courses.
Language courses offered are Chinese, French, Italian and Japanese, subject to student elective numbers.
Experiences outside the classroom
The Languages Faculty aims to provide an authentic learning experience to students by providing students with opportunities to attend activities outside the classroom.
Some of the activities may include:
- restaurant experience
- movie sessions
- film festivals
- culture immersion activities
- study tour
Other languages study options
The Secondary College of Languages (formerly known as Saturday School of Community Languages) and NSW School of Languages are available for students to access and study other languages that are not offered at Concord High School.