A large part of my younger students are children of German parents.

I also work with many high school students who already study German at school and come to me for extra support – to gain confidence, improve their marks, and do well in their final exams, whether that’s HSC German Beginners, Continuers, Extension, or IB German B ab initio, SL or HL.

When I speak to German parents whose children are still little or in primary school, I always encourage them to keep German going (at home or with German lessons) and then take German as a school subject later in high school. However, I notice that most parents don’t know that this is possible in NSW if the local high school doesn’t offer German as a subject.

So this blog offers a simple and clear overview of how German can still be studied at high school in NSW – all the way through to the HSC 😊

What Is the NSW School of Languages?

In New South Wales, there is a well-established and official pathway that allows students to study German in high school, right through to the HSC, even if their local school does not teach it.

This option is called the NSW School of Languages (NSL).

The NSW School of Languages is a government distance-education school that provides language courses when a student’s own school cannot.

The child attends their local school, but German is taught by specialist NSL teachers through online lessons that take place during the normal school day. It is a formal school subject, taught and assessed just like any other subject at school.

When Can Children Start German Through NSL?

Years 9 and 10 – Early High School

In Years 9 and 10, students usually choose two or three elective subjects, depending on the school. If the local school does not offer German, NSL can provide German as one of those electives.

The focus is on building basic vocabulary, developing listening and reading skills, and learning to speak and write simple German. These foundational skills are essential, as they prepare students for more advanced language learning and for later, should they decide to take German for the HSC.

German for the HSC (Years 11 and 12) – Beginners, Continuers & Extension

In Year 10, students choose their subjects for the HSC, which they will sit in Year 12. German can be chosen as an HSC subject through NSL in exactly the same way as any other subject.

The level of German a student takes depends on their previous experience – whether from Years 9–10 at school, from learning at home, or from German lessons (with me 😊).

German Beginners
This level is for students with little or no previous formal German knowledge. It is often chosen by those who started later or had limited exposure to the language. The focus is on everyday language and practical communication.

German Continuers
This level is for students who already have some knowledge of German. For example, they may have taken German as an elective in Years 9 and 10, lived or studied in Germany, or had a certain number of prior lessons. Continuers has higher language expectations and can lead to very strong academic outcomes for motivated students.

German Extension (Year 12 only)
Extension is an optional extra course taken in addition to Continuers. It focuses on more advanced language, literature, and film techniques. This level is suitable for highly motivated and advanced students, and because it scales well, it can positively affect the ATAR.

How Do NSL German Classes Work During the School Week?

German Beginners, German Continuers, and German Extension through NSL are treated like any other elective subject.

When other students attend, for example, their drama or music classes, German students attend their German periods.

The school provides supervision during lesson time. Students usually have their own room in the library, where they either use a school computer or their own device to complete their modules and have their weekly phone call with the NSL German teacher, who teaches the course and prepares the assessments.

Assessments are completed at school under supervision, and oral examinations are conducted online with the NSL German teacher.

Once a term, NSL German students attend a lesson day at the NSL school in Petersham. This is a great opportunity to connect with other German students, meet the teachers in person, and be reminded that you are not alone in your German studies 😊 Students usually cook or bake something German, play games, and take part in workshops focused on grammar topics. You can find more insights on the NSL Facebook page.

How I Support Students Studying German Through NSL (German Lessons & Tutoring Support)

Studying German through the NSW School of Languages works very well for many students, but it can come with a few challenges, especially for younger learners or students who are new to online language learning, as it requires good self-organisation and time management.

As a German tutor based in NSW, I offer German lessons and tutoring support for high school students not only in Sydney but also across NSW, and many of them study German through the NSW School of Languages.

Over the years, I have supported many NSL German students at different stages – from Years 9 and 10 beginners to HSC German Beginners, Continuers, and Extension students. I work with both background speakers and students from English-speaking households.

When I support students studying German through NSL, we go through the course requirements together so expectations are clear. I personalise the German lessons, help answer questions, resolve issues with assignments, and provide extra support with grammar. I also use additional exercises to explain topics more clearly and in a way that suits each individual student.

The German lessons with me also offer extra speaking practice, as students usually only have one speaking lesson per week with their NSL German teacher. We prepare answers to exam questions and work through past papers together, with explanations and suggestions on how to approach exam tasks and achieve better outcomes.

Final Thought for Parents

If your child loves German, or if your child is bilingual in NSW and would like to study German formally as an HSC subject rather than only using it casually at home, there is a pathway, even if your school does not offer German.

The NSW School of Languages exists precisely for this reason.

You can find more information on the NSL website, and you are very welcome to contact me if you would like more detailed guidance. I feel genuinely excited every time a student chooses German as an HSC subject, and when my lessons have helped contribute to that journey, it makes me incredibly proud 😊

In my next blog, I will explain the difference between the HSC German exams and the IB German B SL exam. If you’re looking for a German tutor in Sydney or NSW to support your child, you’re very welcome to read through my reviews and get in touch 😊

I’m excited to be part of your language journey – let’s make it a successful one!

Warm regards,
Nadia