Languages
Language study provides students with the opportunity to develop communication skills, learn about languages, 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.
In NSW secondary schools, mandatory study of 100 hours in one language is completed in Years 7–10 but preferably in Years 7–8, over one continuous 12-month period. In Stage 6, a wide variety of languages is offered in NSW schools, catering for beginning students to background speakers.
Students at The Ponds High School learn Japanese in both Year 7 and 8. It is also offered as an elective class with classes running in both Stage 5 and 6.
Elective Courses:
Stage 5 electives (Year 9 and 10)
· Japanese 1
· Japanese 2
· Japanese 3
· Japanese 4
Stage 6 electives (Year 11 and 12)
· Japanese Continuers
· Japanese Extension
Japanese Student Visits
Japanese students regularly visit The Ponds High School. During these visits of 1-2 weeks, students from TPHS can become host families. This experience allows students to make friends with Japanese children their own age and share cultural experiences.
Japanese Teacher Assistants
In 2024 and 2025, The Ponds High School hosted some Teacher Assistants from Japan. This provided students with additional teacher resources, a chance to learn more about Japanese culture and experience speaking with native speakers.
Excursions
Stage 5 students may have an opportunity to visit Japan on overseas excursions. In 2024, selected students from Year 10 visited Tokyo and participated in a school program while staying with host families.
Other excursions and incursions may also be offered, including Japan Film Festival, Sushi making incursions, and language exchange programs with other schools.
Stage 6
At The Ponds High School, students can continue their studies in Japanese by completing Japanese Continuers. An extension course is also offered for Japanese in Year 12.
External Languages
In some cases, students may be eligible to study additional languages externally either through Secondary College of Languages (Saturday mornings) or NSW School of Languages. There are several requirements for external languages and interested students should speak with the Head Teacher Languages.
