At Strathfield South Public School, students from Kindergarten to Year 6 study a language. In Kindergarten, all students learn Korean. In years 1-6, students follow the below structure. Background Chinese or Korean speaking students attend one hour of languages and a separate hour in a withdrawal group setting. Students without Chinese or Korean as a background language, study either Chinese or Korean as a beginner. They attend one hour of that language.
Learning languages provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples. Students broaden their horizons in relation to personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world. Proficiency in languages provides a national resource that serves communities within Australia and enables the nation to engage more effectively with the global community.
Chinese
We have 2 Chinese teachers who lead our classes. The study of Chinese in years 1–6 enables students to communicate with others in Chinese, and to reflect on and understand the nature and role of language and culture in their own lives and the lives of others. Chinese is an important language for young learners in Australia, as Australia progresses towards a future of increased trade, investment, educational exchange, research and development in science and technology, and engagement with Asia. Students develop an appreciation for the place of Australia within the Asia region, including the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.
Korean
The study of Korean in K–6 enables students to communicate with others in Korean, and to reflect on and understand the nature and role of language and culture in their own lives and the lives of others. The ability to communicate in Korean provides incentives for travel and for more meaningful interactions with speakers of Korean, encouraging socio-cultural understanding between Australia and Korea, and cohesion within the Australian community. It also provides opportunities for students to gain insights into the contributions that have been made by Korean-speaking communities to Australian society and to the global community.
In NSW primary schools, the study of a language is optional.
Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
