Learning a Second Language is Not a Priority for Year 12 Students

Of the 77,000 students doing the Higher School Certificate in New South Wales this year only 8 per cent are enrolled in a language course

As Year 12 students sit their final exams around the country, only a small, shrinking proportion of them are doing so in another language.

Teachers say more needs to be done to encourage students to study a second language from a young age.

It is early on a Sunday morning in Sydney's north, but, for a handful of Year 12 students, school is in session.

Gathered around a tape recorder with pens and paper in hand, they are studying the writing component of the Hindi language syllabus for the Higher School Certificate.