The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has developed a curriculum for Non-Roman Alphabet languages which will allow these languages to be offered by a Victorian school where there is no specific curriculum available.
Understanding the diverse language backgrounds and competencies of students is the starting point for developing language learning. The changing pattern of migration to Australia is extending the range of languages students bring with them to school.
Student language competency varies significantly depending upon the sequence of learning being undertaken and the level the student has reached. For example, language competency will be influenced by the stage of the students' schooling, whether they are:
In the Languages curriculum the focus is on both language and culture, as students learn to communicate meaningfully across linguistic and cultural systems, and different contexts. This involves reflection and analysis, as students move between the new language being learnt and their own existing language(s). It is a reciprocal and dynamic process which develops language and intercultural awareness and understanding.
Students use a wide range of texts such as textbooks, teacher-generated materials and online resources. Their learning is enriched by exposure to a range of texts from the language being studied, such as websites, films, stories, songs, television programs, advertisements and magazines. The texts and resources will become increasingly sophisticated and varied as students progress through their schooling.
Students are encouraged to use the language being studied as much as possible for classroom routines, social interactions, structured learning tasks, and language experimentation and practice.
Students will have opportunities to engage with members of the community who speak the language being studied, which in some cases will be facilitated via digital technologies.
English is used for discussion, explanation and reflection, enabling students to develop a language for sharing ideas about language and culture.
