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.
Faculty
Mrs L Giles
Mr W Nguyen
Mrs L Zappia
Mr M Grace
Mrs M Ayas
Mr M Caldwell
Mrs A Kealy-Ashby
About the faculty
Hola, Ciao and Konnichiwa.
In today's changing world, knowing a second language is becoming increasingly important. Learning a language goes beyond having linguistic skills, it is more than communicating, it is the key to cultures that without the linguistic understanding the intricacies and idiosyncrasies would be very difficult to understand.
The knowledge of a second language allows us to dig deep into the cultures of peoples that would otherwise remain a mystery, therefore, may it be for business, sport, career, pleasure or because we want to go globetrotting, knowing a language will help us to see the world from a different perspective.
At Westfields Sports High School we pride ourselves in endeavouring to teach language beyond the classroom and try to teach language as part of our everyday world. We aim to immerse and expose our students to the different cultures by organising cultural activities, dances and excursions.
A highlight of language studies at Westfields Sports is a very special visit from Japanese schools where students travel to Australia to make new friends and experience first hand the importance of communication. Another highlight is the opportunities available for international travel. We always organise excursions to Japan, Italy and the Spanish speaking world!
Learning a language is a very rewarding experience because with it comes a package that is full of surprises, new ideas, new beginnings and insight of the world and the self that is very difficult to surpass.