This document discusses growing languages in schools and communities in Australia. It outlines goals like raising the profile of languages, increasing the number of students studying languages beyond 100 hours, engaging students, and expanding tertiary language study. It notes experts say language learning builds communication skills, intercultural understanding, and engagement with other communities. The document also discusses implementing the Australian Curriculum, reviewing NSW language policy, and efforts by the Modern Language Teachers' Association to support language teachers and increase student opportunities.

1. GROWING
LANGUAGES
2013 MLTA NSW Annual Conference

2. What do we mean?
 Raising the profile of Languages in our schools
and communities
 Increasing the number of students studying
Languages at primary level and beyond 100hrs
 Stimulating student engagement with Language
learning
 Expanding the number of students studying
Languages at tertiary level
 Building the supply of Languages teachers
 Developing our professional expertise
 Nurturing and extending our professional

3. Everybody says so…
 “Through learning languages, students acquire:
- essential communication skills in the target language
- an intercultural capability, and
- an understanding of the role of language and culture in
human communication. “
 “Language capability contributes to the development
of rich linguistic and cultural resources through which
the community can engage socially, culturally, and
economically in all domains.”
Draft F-10 Australian Curriculum: Languages, Rationale

4. Everybody says so…
 “The capacity for Australians to build deeper
ties with Asia will be hampered if there is not
an increase in proficiency of languages other
than English.”
 “All Australian students will have the
opportunity, and be encouraged, to undertake
a continuous course of study in an Asian
language throughout their years of schooling.”
 Australia in the Asian Century: White Paper, October 2012

5. How do we do it?
Australian Curriculum: Languages (ACARA)
Participate in consultation at:
http://consultation.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
 Review of Languages Education Policy in
NSW (Board of Studies)

6. What is the MLTA doing?
 Providing strong representation
 Extending our professional networks
 Increasing student activities
 Providing more professional learning
opportunities
 Applying for accreditation of MLTA courses at
Professional Leadership level
 Enhancing communication with members
 Strengthening links with Universities

7. Enjoy the day!
The MLTA Committee:
Merryl Wahlin – President
Melissa Gould-Drakeley – Vice President
Gina Doukas – Treasurer
Janelle Byrne – Secretary
Fiona Boughey – Public Officer
Ghislaine Barbe, Kelli Cato, Gillian Cordy, Ruth
Fielding,
Lianne Stephens, Sana Zreika, Sharon Cashen