Language Programs on the rise in Victorian Schools

By Matt Neilsen

Annual Research by the Department of Education shows upward trends in language programs offered in Victorian schools.

Numbers are up in both Primary and Secondary schooling since 2012, with over 77% of schools running programs.

Primary schools have seen a 13% rise in the last two years, a statistic welcomed by Livingstone Primary School German teacher Mirjam Engele.

“Learning another language gives students new and unique ways of expressing themselves,” Mrs Engele said.

“We try to instill a love of the language.”

Language learning has increased since 2012. Information via: Department of Education.

The amount of languages offered has also increased at schools such as Livingstone Primary, where Mandarin has been recently introduced as an option for new students.

Mandarin is the fastest growing language in Primary schools, with 130 more schools teaching it than in 2008.

Vermont Secondary College German teacher Brigitte Ankenbrand said that Secondary schools don’t necessarily follow the same trends.

“[Secondary schools] don’t have to have an Asian language,” Mrs Ankenbrand said.

“Normally when people go to a school they are happy to take the languages offered there.”

Mrs Ankenbrand also said that student demand is vital in what languages are offered, saying that “if no students take it, it disappears”.

Mrs Engele said that just because there are more programs, it doesn’t always translate to more time in the classroom.

She said that the students only have one 1-hour class per fortnight because of timetable stress, and that they need more time in class to be “prepared for this world”.

Both Mrs Engele and Mrs Ankenbrand think that language study in school is an important part of the curriculum.

“Learning other languages help you to be flexible in your thinking,” Mrs Ankenbrand said.

“It’s a plus in your life.”

Despite the rise, some language numbers are dropping. Italian, the most popular foreign language, has dropped 9% in secondary schools since 2009.

Languages from all around the world are being taught in Victorian schools.
Information via: Department of Education.