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.
Study a language through Secondary College of Languages in 2026
We are excited to share information about the language courses Secondary College of Languages offer in 2026. With subject selections underway, we encourage students to consider taking a language as part of their studies.
The Secondary College of Languages offers 22 languages, taught face-to-face on Saturday mornings at 13 campuses across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. The courses, which follow NESA syllabuses, are specifically designed for students from respective language backgrounds and contribute towards the HSC.
Languages
- Arabic
- Armenian
- Bosnian
- Chinese
- Croatian
- Filipino
- Hindi
- Italian
- Japanese
- Khmer
- Korean
- Macedonian
- Modern Greek
- Persian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- Russian
- Serbian
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
Enrolments for 2026 are now open. Application forms are available to download from the website.
Applications for all year groups close formally on 27 February 2026.
