Brunswick South Primary School kids today got to show off their Italian language skills when two special visitors toured their school.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Italian Consul General Pierluigi Trombetta visited the school to see its bilingual classes in action.
While Brunswick South Primary School has been teaching Italian for almost 20 years, in recent years the school has extended its program to become the first Italian bilingual program in Victoria.
The school’s Italian bilingual program is taught from Prep to Year 6 and follows the Victorian curriculum. The program includes visual and performing arts, English and maths classes as well as extra-curricular activities and lunchtime clubs.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $2.4 million this year on the Designated Bilingual Program with 14 bilingual programs offered at 12 primary schools, including the Italian bilingual program at Brunswick South Primary School.
The Government recognises that a globally orientated education system is crucial to the economic future of Victoria and ensures that our young people have the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly inter-connected world.
The Victorian Curriculum has introduced Intercultural Capability as a new learning area to equip students with knowledge and skills needed to become active and informed global citizens.
This will ensure that all students will learn more than one language, demonstrate intercultural understanding, respect cultural diversity, and understand their responsibilities as global citizens.
The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every Victorian student gets the opportunity for a great education and every community has access to a great school.
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Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Victoria is the place for education with rich cultural diversity reflected in our schools. We want to help every child be their best and have the same chances of success.”
“We’re listening to families in Brunswick South to help their child do well in the future. A culture of achievement can only occur when everyone feels supported and a sense of belonging.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020