Premier

Encouraging More Victorian Students To Study Chinese

31 January 2017

Victoria’s curriculum will provide a new pathway for students studying VCE Modern Standard Chinese, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

A new course, Chinese Language, Culture and Society, will better meet the needs of students who are not from a Chinese-speaking background.

China is Victoria’s largest trading partner and the Labor Government is working to strengthen our economic and cultural ties with a better understanding of Chinese language and culture.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) has been working for more than a decade to increase the quality and accessibility of Chinese courses.

In 2014, it conducted a state-wide consultation on how to improve the number of students studying Chinese language at VCE level.

The new subject mixes study of contemporary Chinese culture and Chinese language development – perfectly suited to students who wish to gain a broad grasp of Chinese culture while continuing their language studies.

It will give students a sound basis for proceeding with further Chinese language studies at university, and will also provide excellent preparation for employment in areas such as tourism, technology and financial services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

Victoria has around four times more students enrolled in Chinese language studies than any other Australian state, and we’ve consistently worked to grow enrolments.”

“This sensible addition to the Victorian curriculum will encourage even more students from a non-Chinese background to learn modern standard Chinese.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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