Planning, programming and assessing languages 7–10
Supporting you in implementing language syllabuses in Years 7 to 10.
Language study in Stages 4 and 5
The study of 100 hours of one language over one continuous 12-month period is mandatory between Years 7–10, but preferably in Years 7–8 (Stage 4).
In Stage 5, students may also elect a language course. Studying a language course in Stage 5 extends students' ability to communicate and strengthen their understanding of the nature of language, culture and the processes of communication.
Students may continue with their chosen language or languages in Stage 6 and/or commence the study of a new language.
As part of curriculum reform, 4 languages syllabuses have been released:
The decision regarding which language/s to offer is made at school level, based on available resources, including access to qualified languages teachers.
Learn more about each syllabus, including what’s new, whole-school considerations and implementation dates on Syllabus information for school leaders.
Aboriginal Languages K–10 Syllabus (2022)
For support with Aboriginal Languages, both inside and outside the department’s Language and Culture Nests, please contact the Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate’s Languages, Culture and Communities team at AboriginalLanguagesandCulturesCorro@det.nsw.edu.au.
Auslan K–10 Syllabus (2023)
To access the department’s Auslan support, please visit our Auslan page.
Classical Languages K–10 Syllabus (2022)
The department offers a range of generic and language-specific resources to support classical languages teaching in Years 7–10.
These guidelines support teachers of classical languages 7–10 to develop programming documents, including scope and sequences, assessment opportunities and units of work.
Programming guidelines for the Classical Languages K–10 Syllabus (DOCX 691 KB)
Language-specific resources
Language-specific support to support the Classical Languages K–10 Syllabus.
Modern Languages K–10 Syllabus (2022)
The department offers a range of generic and language-specific resources to support modern languages teaching in Years 7–10.
Generic support
These guidelines support teachers of modern languages 7–10 to develop programming documents, including scope and sequences, assessment opportunities and units.
The Modern Languages K–10 Syllabus (2022) states that ‘Interacting’ is primarily done through oral language, requiring students to exchange and negotiate meaning. ‘Interacting’ includes reciprocity, a degree of spontaneity and strategies for continuing communication. These documents can support ‘Interacting’ in the classroom and distance education settings.
Use these posters to support discussions and lesson observations within your faculty.
Transforming classrooms through the Modern Languages K–10 Syllabus poster (PDF 876.6 KB)
Explicit teaching and effective language teaching go hand in hand.
Explicit teaching aligns with how students process, store and retrieve information. Every student should experience explicit teaching when learning is new or complex. This allows students to gain foundational skills and knowledge that they then can apply with greater independence.
This infographic unpacks how our 7–10 support for modern languages aligns with explicit teaching.
Language-specific resources
We are developing language-specific support across a range of languages 7–10, to support the Modern Languages K–10 Syllabus.
Syllabuses
All languages syllabuses are located on NSW Curriculum (NESA)