More funding for Asian languages
MARCH 2009
Queensland students will have more opportunities to learn an Asian language with the start of a $62.4 million national languages program this year.
The new National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP) gives funding and support to help students learn the languages and cultures of China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.
The Federal Government program includes funding for additional Asian languages classes in high schools, teacher training and support and the development of specialist curriculum for students who display advanced abilities in Asian languages and studies.
Deputy Prime Minister and federal education minister Julia Gillard said the program aimed to double the number of Australian Year 12 students exiting schooling fluent in one of the four Asian languages by 2020.
'The rollout of the program will help give Australian school students the language skills to engage with our Asian neighbours,' Ms Gillard said.
'Delivering on this commitment will see funding of $62.4 million over 2008-09 to 2010-11.'
Ms Gillard said $43.68 million would go to state and territory education authorities. The rest would be spent on grants to schools, national initiatives to support NALSSP, and funding for higher education providers, businesses and Asian communities.
'Currently, less than 14 per cent of Australian Year 12 students are studying a foreign language and only 5.8 per cent are studying Asian languages in Year 12,' she said.
'This compares to the Netherlands where 99 per cent of secondary students study at least one foreign language and in Finland it is compulsory for students to study 3 foreign languages throughout schooling.'
The National Curriculum Board will work oversee the program. For more information go to the NALSSP 
website.
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