Australia is to invest an additional AUS$15.2 million in Asian language learning in its schools in the hope of dramatically increasing uptake in the next decade. The government says it will spend the money on new language curricula and improving teacher training among other measures.
“We’ll need some new thinking and new ways of teaching if we want to reach our goal of increasing the study of Asian languages in Australian schools,” Peter Garrett, the schools minister, said of the funding unveiled this month.
“Young Australians need to have the skills to build strong relationships with Asia”
Under its National Plan, the Australian government aims to offer every Australian child access to the study of an Asian language from their first day of school by 2025. This is part of a broader goal to increase strategic engagement with Asia’s fast-rising economies, as expressed in the government white paper Australia in the Asian Century.
The government has invested in Asian language learning before, sometimes unsuccessfully, but the new funding should make some distinct changes: developing new year 11 and 12 curricula for the Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, Japanese and Korean languages, as well as a new Hindi curriculum for all years to Year 12, for instance.
Other projects being supported include the development of new training modules for Asian-language teachers; new fellowships for students studying Asian languages; and initiatives to build partnerships between schools, business and the community to stimulate demand for Asia language learning among students.
“For example, grants could support schools working with universities and businesses to promote Asian-linked career opportunities to their students,” said the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in a statement.
To highlight the importance of “Asia literacy” in schools, Garett referred to a report from Deakin University, Asia Literacy and the Australian Teaching Workforce. Almost 2,000 teachers and school leaders were surveyed about the current awareness of Asia in schools with room for “future improvements” identified.
“For Australia to remain competitive in the Asian Century, young Australians need to have the skills to build strong relationships with Asia, so it’s vital our schools can provide language classes and opportunities for further study,” said Garrett.
