Planning, programming and assessing languages 7–10
Supporting you in implementing language syllabuses in Years 7 to 10.
In NSW secondary schools, languages is a key learning area. Through learning languages, students engage in purposeful communication and reflect on the heritage, culture and identity of themselves and others.
The study of one or more additional languages strengthens literacy skills in a student’s first language, and supports participation in the global community.
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.
Modern Languages K–10 Syllabus (2022)
The Modern Languages K–10 Syllabus was published in 2022 on the NSW Curriculum (NESA) site.
In 2023, teachers engage with the syllabus, and plan and prepare for implementation of the curriculum.
In 2024, implementation commences in schools, with 7–10 mandatory 100-hour courses and new elective courses.
Classes which commenced an elective course in 2023 should continue to use the existing language-specific syllabus until the end of 2024. Learn more about the Modern Languages K–10 Syllabus on our information for school leaders web section.
Generic resources
- Stage 4 – student-facing outcomes and content infographic (PDF 183.3 KB)
- Stage 4 – generic scope and sequence for the mandatory 100 hours (DOCX 149.3 KB)
- Stage 5 – student-facing outcomes and content infographic (PDF 129.2 KB)
- Stage 5 – generic scope and sequence for the 200-hour elective course (DOCX 148.8 KB)
Language-specific K–10 syllabuses (2017–2019)
A program is all of the documents involved in the overall planning for each language and stage or Year that you teach.
Our programming guidelines (DOCX 203 KB) will guide you through everything you need to know about quality programming in modern languages 7-10.
Please access our Stages 4 and 5 Latin page for programming guidelines for classical languages.
NESA also provides advice on programming.
Sample templates can be accessed below, which can be modified to suit your context and any requirements set by your school. We also recommend you look at the resources across a range of modern languages which deliberately take different formats to broaden your layout options. NESA's sample resources provide other options to consider.
Our backward mapping tool (PDF 219 KB) can also be printed and used to guide you through the backward mapping approach to unit design.
Syllabuses
All languages syllabuses are located on NSW Curriculum (NESA)