Calwell’s large multicultural community will benefit from the inclusion of Arabic in the National Schools Curriculum.Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou said it was fitting that the Arabic language be considered for inclusion in the National Curriculum.
"Arabic is the second most common language other than English spoken in the Calwell electorate.”
“I welcome the move by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to include Arabic among the top 11 eleven languages spoken across Australia.”The beginning of February marked the start of a nine week consultation period that will determine which languages will be included in the Curriculum.
Ms Vamvakinou said the consultation period was an opportunity for individuals, community groups and educational institutions to have their say. Ms Vamvakinou added it was essential for everyone concerned to read and comment on the Draft Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Languages paper.
The draft paper is a strong indicator as to which languages will be included in the curriculum and how they will be rolled out in schools in the different states and territories.
“As a former language teacher, I am particularly excited at the prospect of having the Arabic language included.
“Languages other than English have an important role in Australian society as we are a multilingual community. Our language capacity is one of our greatest strengths and must be reflected in our National Curriculum.”
The draft paper can be viewed and downloaded at: http://www.acara.edu.au
Consultation ends on April 7, 2011.
