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.
James Ruse currently offers the opportunity to study two foreign languages:
Year 7
A compulsory taster course comprising of a semester in each of these two languages:
Year 8
A compulsory 100-hour course in either Japanese or Latin - the language being selected after their taster course in Year 7.
From Year 9 onwards, students have the option to take Japanese and/or Latin as an elective subject.
