ALA

Tuesday, 22 September, 2008.

Melbourne is a step closer to securing one of three new Chinese Teacher Training Centres worldwide, with the signing of a landmark agreement this week between the Brumby Government and the Chinese Government.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said, if given the go-ahead, the proposed centre for teachers of the Chinese language would act as a think-tank for experts from China and Australia to explore how best to teach Chinese language and culture.

In Beijing this week, Ms Pike said the centre would also significantly boost the number of Victorian students studying this important language.

“In Victoria we are extremely proud of our multicultural status and the rich cultural experience this state offers,” Ms Pike said.

“This proposed centre will be a boost for students and teacher who will have access to a cutting-edge facility to enhance the teaching of Chinese language and culture for years to come.”

The study of Languages Other Than English (LOTE) is already an intrinsic part of the Victorian school curriculum, with 22 languages taught in government primary schools in 2007, 19 in secondary colleges and 43 through the Victorian School of Languages (VSL).

There are also 13 Victorian government schools that run bilingual programs, three of which are Japanese bilingual programs.

“We provide around $60 million annually for language education in government schools with Chinese the most studied language by government secondary school students at the VSL,” Ms Pike said.

“The Victorian education system is achieving world-class outcomes for our students and we are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with other countries and learn from their experiences,” Ms Pike said.

“Cultural understanding and appreciation between countries is vital for us as global citizens – and education is one way we can produce future citizens who have the skills to operate effectively across different cultures and languages.

“Strengthening our focus on the teaching and learning of the Chinese language will help foster closer cultural ties with Asia.”

Ms Pike said the Letter of Intent built on the existing Memorandum of Understanding signed by Victoria and China in 2006.

“Education is the Brumby Government’s number one priority, which is why we will continue to pursue educational facilities such as the Chinese Teacher Training Centre to ensure Victorian students have the best opportunities in life.”