Languages

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 Beginners

Students who have not studied Italian since Year 8 may be eligible to study the Italian Beginners course. With a focus on personal world topics such as family, friends, leisure, holidays, and work, students develop their communicative skills in Italian.

Please note: that the Italian Continuers course takes preference to the Beginners course, and therefore the Beginners course may not run if there are insufficient numbers.

Additional Activities

• Italy tour:
  Students in Years 10 and 11 have the opportunity to attend the school’s Italy tour in September/October every second year. Students participate in a two week educational tour that encompasses history, culture, art, food, and daily life, visiting cities and towns such as Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Orvieto, Florence, Venice and Milan.
• MLTA Linguafest:
  Stage 4 and 5 students are able to participate in the statewide foreign language film making competition Linguafest, run by the MLTA.

Overall skills

• Communication skills:
  Through the study of Italian students learn and develop communication strategies, learning about cross-cultural communication, and developing confidence in speaking.
• Literacy and cognitive development:
  Learning a foreign language has long been associated with improved literacy in one’s first language, and with increased cognitive development. Knowledge and continued practice of a second language have also been linked with a decrease in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Confidence:
  Students build confidence via role playing in Italian, and achievable outcomes in courses.