Languages Education

The Department of Education acknowledges the important role that Languages education plays in preparing students to participate effectively as global citizens of the 21st century.  As one of the eight Learning Areas of the Western Australian Curriculum Framework and of the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008)effective Languages education is an integral part of a balanced school curriculum. 

The Department's initiatives in this area include a distinct and explicit presence for Aboriginal languages.  These languages have a unique place in Western Australia's heritage and in its cultural and educational life.  They are fundamental to strengthening identity and self esteem and provide a focus for the development of intercultural understandings and reconciliation.

Community organisations play an important role as complementary languages providers through the Community Languages Program. Currently, more than 30 organisations receive funding from the Department to support the delivery of over 20 different community languages.

The benefits of learning languages include the ability to communicate within and across cultures, the development of language awareness and literacy skills and the development of cognitive and critical thinking skills. Competence in a second language can also enhance employment and career prospects. As learners gain similar social, cognitive, linguistic and cultural benefits, all languages are equally valid. 

The Melbourne Declaration reiterates the continued status of Languages in future curriculum provision, citing the particular importance of Asian Languages. The Department acknowledges the critical role that effective Asian Languages programs play in the development of Asia literacy skills in each of our students. These skills are emerging as essential prerequisites for Australia’s social and economic well being.

While acknowledging the importance of more students developing proficiency in key Asian languages, in line with national requirements, the Department of Education is committed to improving access to quality programs in all Languages; Aboriginal, Asian and European in its public schools.   This is with the aim of increasing  levels of participation, engagement and achievement in Languages educaton from primary school through to Year 12.