Mandarin Blueprint

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MANDARIN BLUEPRINT A Blueprint to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture through education in the ACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Australian Capital Territory is Ngunnawal Country.

The ACT Government acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as the traditional custodians of the Canberra region. The region is also an important meeting place and significant to other Aboriginal peoples.

The ACT Government acknowledges the historical dispossession and its continuing legacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and also acknowledges their vital contribution to the ACT community. PARTNERS

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement of Country...... 2

Partners ...... 3

Minister’s Message ...... 5

Introduction ...... 6

Cultural Awareness and Engagement ��7

Working with Teachers and Students �� 10

Resources...... 12

Communication...... 13

Future Focus Areas...... 15

Blueprint Partners...... 16

Useful References ...... 19 MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Mandarin Blueprint

I am pleased to provide the Blueprint to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture through education in the ACT.

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the development and maintenance of language skills in the ACT, and to promoting the benefits of a dynamic and culturally diverse local community.

As Minister for Education and Training I strongly support languages education and recognise that learning an additional language supports personal and social development, cultural awareness and understanding, and expands horizons and futures, including employment opportunities.

Our local and vibrant multicultural and multilingual community sector comprises many Canberrans who are skilled in languages and bring key intercultural knowledge and skills to our city. Opportunities abound to learn about other cultures and languages other than English, either through curriculum programs delivered in our schools and community centres, or through the more than 50 community language schools delivering programs in 40 languages.

The Blueprint to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture through education in the ACT (the Mandarin Blueprint) builds on these activities, and highlights collaborative efforts by key partner organisations in the ACT, including education sector organisations, schools and their communities, community associations, embassies and industry.

The Mandarin Blueprint aligns with the ACT Government’s commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding between the ACT Government and Shanghai Normal University in the People’s Republic of China, including activities that promote cultural awareness and engagement, collaborative research activities, exchange opportunities and sister school relationships.

I commend the work of the Mandarin Blueprint partner organisations and their commitment to building intercultural capability and language proficiency in the ACT community.

Joy Burch MLA Minister for Education and Training

MANDARIN BLUEPRINT 5 INTRODUCTION

An understanding of Asia underpins the capacity of Australians to contribute to, and build, harmonious local, regional and global communities. Asia capability also builds Australia’s social, intellectual and creative capital.

The National Statement for Languages Education in Australian Schools 2005-2008 (the National Plan) highlights the importance of languages education in equipping young Australians for a globalised world. The aim of the National Plan is to enable Australian students to communicate across languages and cultures, and successfully live and work as linguistically and culturally aware global citizens.

The ACT Government’s Many Voices 2012-16 Australian Capital Territory Languages Policy provides a framework for valuing the many languages spoken and learnt in Canberra, and for celebrating the diversity of cultural backgrounds in our dynamic and multicultural community.

The Mandarin Blueprint highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts of key stakeholders in the ACT, including education sector organisations, schools and their communities, community associations, embassies and industry.

The Mandarin Blueprint is structured around five themes that capture existing programs and activities and outline new initiatives that promote the teaching of Mandarin and enhance understanding of Chinese culture through education in the ACT: •• Cultural Awareness and Engagement •• Working with Teachers and Students •• Resources •• Communication •• Future Focus Areas 和谐 Harmony

6 MANDARIN BLUEPRINT CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT

Learning a language, such as Mandarin, is multi-faceted and involves study of the linguistic, cultural and geographic diversity within communities of Chinese speakers. The need to engage in linguistic and intercultural awareness to develop Asia capability is becoming more important as global mobility increases.

Providing opportunities for immersion in culture and language has proven to result in quality learning outcomes for students. Enhancing the learning of Mandarin and promoting Chinese culture involves increasing linguistic and intercultural understanding in all education sectors in the ACT.

PRIORITY: CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT

INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Memorandum of ACT Education and Facilitate academic exchanges between Canberra public Understanding (MoU) - Training Directorate school teachers, Shanghai Normal University and Shanghai Regarding a sister Normal University Schools. school relationship between the Increase information and research exchange (including Government of the collaborative research-related activities) between Canberra Australian Capital public school teachers and Shanghai Normal University and Territory and Shanghai Shanghai Normal University Schools. Normal University, People’s Republic of Increase sister school relationships between Canberra public China schools and Shanghai Normal University and Shanghai Normal University Schools. Promote participation by principals and education leaders in the study tour of the People’s Republic of China.

Asia Education ACT Education and Collaborate to deliver the Asia Education Foundation Forum: Foundation Forum Training Directorate Building Asia Capability in ACT Schools. Asia Education Foundation

Building Relations ACT Education and Promote and facilitate the opportunity for eligible ACT through Intercultural Training Directorate language teachers to participate in the Asia Education Dialogue and Growing Foundation BRIDGE (Building Relations through Intercultural Engagement - BRIDGE Asia Education Dialogue and Growing Engagement) program. Program Foundation

ACT Education and ACT Education and Partner with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to Training Directorate - Training Directorate appoint Chinese speaking language assistants in Canberra Memorandum of public schools. Understanding Taipei Economic (Promotion of Chinese and Cultural Office Language) (TECO)

MANDARIN BLUEPRINT 7 PRIORITY: CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT

INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Sister school ACT Education and Maintain and expand sister school partnerships between partnerships - Training Directorate Canberra public schools and schools in the People’s Canberra public Republic of China. schools

Sister school Canberra Grammar Maintain and expand sister school partnerships between partnerships - School Canberra Grammar School and schools in the People’s Independent schools Republic of China.

Events and ACT Education and Promote and conduct the annual ACT Mandarin Presentation Competitions Training Directorate Contest and Awards Ceremony. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO)

Events and Australia China Promote and conduct the annual Panda competition for Competitions Friendship Society students from all preschools, primary schools and high schools in the ACT.

Events and Australia China Promote and conduct the opportunity for all ACT schools Competitions Friendship Society and the wider community to participate in the annual Lantern Festival.

Events and Australian National Promote and conduct the annual Australian National Competitions University - College University Asia Pacific Day as part of the EngageAsia of Asia and the program. Pacific

EngageAsia Programs Australian National Provide and promote opportunities for students and University - College teachers to participate in language immersion workshops, of Asia and the guest lecture series and student ambassador talks at the Pacific Australian National University.

Classroom Practice Canberra Grammar Establish Connected Classrooms with students and staff in and Cultural Immersion School sister schools in China. Program Establish an independent Confucius classroom at the school to promote cultural and language activities. Coordinate and participate in an annual staff exchange with Beijing Sister School(s) to enhance partnerships and promote intercultural understanding and information sharing. Coordinate and deliver annual study tours to China for students and teachers with a focus on experiencing language and culture in cross-curriculum areas.

Mandarin Immersion ACT Education and Promote and deliver the Mandarin bilingual and language Programs Training Directorate programs at Mawson Primary School. Promote Mandarin pathways at: • Mawson Primary School • Melrose High School • Canberra College.

8 MANDARIN BLUEPRINT PRIORITY: CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT

INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Mandarin Immersion ACT Education and Promote and conduct the bilingual program (Chinese/ Programs Training Directorate - English) offered at the community based early childhood Mawson Primary centre (Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre - CAECC) School for children from birth to 6 years located on the Mawson Primary School grounds. Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre Association for Learning Mandarin in Australia Inc. (ALMA)

Mandarin Immersion Chinese Australian Employ qualified bilingual early childhood educators to Programs Early Childhood deliver Mandarin programs to young children enrolled at the Centre Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre. Association for Explore options for expanding Early Childhood Mandarin Learning Mandarin in immersion programs in the ACT. Australia Inc. (ALMA)

Student Study Tours - Canberra public Provide the opportunity for students studying Chinese to China and/or Taiwan schools participate in a study tour to China and/or Taiwan. In 2015 Melba Copland Secondary School, Kingsford Smith School and Canberra High School have arranged study tours to China. Melrose High School has arranged a study tour to Taiwan.

Study Tours - China University of Coordinate and conduct a cross-sectoral study tour to China Canberra for ACT educators and school leaders.

Community Radio Association for Co-host a bilingual program on community radio 2XX to Learning Mandarin in support families interested in maintaining and/or developing Australia Inc. (ALMA) their children’s Mandarin skills. Continue to encourage children’s interest in, and use of, the language through fun activities.

Community Tutoring Association for Promote and coordinate the Mandarin Community Tutoring Project Learning Mandarin in Project, which introduces speakers of Mandarin in the ACT to Australia Inc. (ALMA) others who are learning the language.

China Friendly City Association for Explore the possibility of declaring Canberra a China Friendly Learning Mandarin in City. Australia Inc. (ALMA)

Conversation Evenings Australia China Promote and conduct monthly informal conversation Friendship Society evenings in Chinese/English for community members ACT to promote the learning of Chinese and to gain an understanding of Chinese culture.

MANDARIN BLUEPRINT 9 WORKING WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

Learning a language is a core component of the ACT Curriculum. Providing opportunities for teachers to build meaningful cultural knowledge and linguistic proficiency, and engaging students in quality programs are key ingredients for successful languages education in the ACT.

Working with teachers and students to develop language skills and cultural knowledge strengthens local partnerships and provides opportunities to establish global connections.

10 MANDARIN BLUEPRINT PRIORITY: WORKING WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Australian Curriculum: ACT Education and Support Canberra public school teachers with Languages Training Directorate implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Languages Implementation through activities and events facilitated by the Chinese Language Network.

Professional Learning - ACT Education and Promote and conduct professional learning opportunities to building teacher Training Directorate build the capacity of community language school teachers capacity four times a year.

Network Liaison - ACT Education and Provide the opportunity for ACT language teachers to Chinese Language Training Directorate network once a term through the Chinese Language Network Network meetings. Explore opportunities to include teachers of Chinese from Community Language Schools to join the Chinese Language Network.

Mandarin Language ACT Education and Provide a Mandarin Language Pathway in Canberra public Pathway Training Directorate schools from primary school to college.

Mandarin Learning Taipei Economic Offer an annual Mandarin learning scholarship program, Scholarship Program and Cultural Office Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, to sponsor Australian (TECO) students over the age of 18 to retain and enhance Chinese language proficiency in Taiwan.

Curriculum Australian School Develop Chinese courses which incorporate the new Development of Contemporary Australian Curriculum and the Chinese Language Proficiency Chinese Standards for teachers.

Cultural Immersion Canberra Grammar Promote the establishment of combined cultural School familiarisation and EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) courses at Canberra Grammar School.

The Snow Centre for Canberra Grammar Promote the establishment of The Snow Centre for Education in the Asian School Education in the Asian Century. Century Engage the community by offering a lecture series on Asia, Asian culture and Asian language.

Senior Studies and Canberra Grammar Engage with the University of Canberra and the Australian University Pathways School National University to promote the study of Chinese language and culture by offering pathways to senior students University of studying in ACT schools. Canberra Australian National University

Mandarin Education Association for Research and explore initiatives, resources and programs in Pathways to Proficiency Learning Mandarin in order to maximise opportunities for students and teachers of Australia Inc. (ALMA) Chinese, such as: Australian National • language forums University – College • opportunities for students to follow articulated programs of Asia and the of study Pacific • professional learning for Community Language School teachers.

MANDARIN BLUEPRINT 11 RESOURCES

The delivery of sustainable language programs can be enhanced through access to language teaching assistants, educational institutions, community associations and embassies.

Targeted professional learning for languages teachers and access to online digital resources supports provision of quality language programs.

PRIORITY: CULTURAL RESOURCES

INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Support for curriculum ACT Education and Provide access to Scootle resources, developed by Education delivery Training Directorate Services Australia, to support the learning and teaching of Chinese.

Support for curriculum ACT Education and Promote the Language Learning Space (LLS): Chinese, a web- delivery Training Directorate based platform developed by Education Services Australia which offers resources and services to support teachers and Catholic Education, students in language classrooms. Archdiocese of Canberra and Promote the ‘CanUHanyu’ App developed by Education Goulburn Services Australia which is designed to support learners of Chinese. Association of Independent Schools Community Language Schools

ELLA (Early Language Franklin Early Participate in the ELLA pilot program for Australian Learning Australia) Trial Childhood School – schools which has been designed to test the effectiveness trialling Mandarin of providing preschool children with early exposure to a language other than English through access to a digital learning platform.

ELLA (Early Language ACT Education and Represent the Directorate at ELLA meetings as required. Learning Australia) Trial Training Directorate

Mandarin Education Federation of Promote the expansion of community Mandarin education Programs Chinese Community programs for school-aged children in the ACT through the of Canberra Inc. - non-profit community based weekend schools. Chinese School

Mandarin Education Federation of Assist and promote Mandarin teaching programs in after- Programs Chinese Community school programs across the ACT and explore ways to further of Canberra Inc. - network, assist and support Mandarin teaching programs in Chinese School ACT schools and preschools. Association for Learning Mandarin in Australia Inc. (ALMA)

12 MANDARIN BLUEPRINT COMMUNICATION

Working with a broad range of partners within the ACT to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote the understanding of Chinese culture through education is a key priority of the Mandarin Blueprint.

Liaising and communicating with educators, education providers and community associations provides an opportunity for authentic teaching and learning opportunities. Embracing partnerships with governments, businesses, universities and the community also provides valuable networking opportunities.

PRIORITY: COMMUNICATION

INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Regular sharing ACT Education and Convene a meeting of the Community Language Schools of initiatives and Training Directorate Association four times a year to share current initiatives opportunities and activities occurring in the ACT which promote language Community learning and engagement with languages and cultures. Language Schools Association Canberra Multicultural Community Forum University of Canberra Association for Learning Mandarin in Australia Inc. (ALMA)

Increased networking ACT Education and Provide the opportunity for a representative from the ACT for language teachers Training Directorate Chinese Language Network to attend meetings conducted by the committee of the Modern Language Teachers Association of the ACT Inc. to enhance cross-sectoral input and increase communication and collaboration between languages teachers.

Development and Association for Coordinate and promote the ALMA website to provide a provision of community Learning Mandarin in comprehensive list of sites where Mandarin can be learnt and education websites Australia Inc. (ALMA) in the ACT – from playgroups and preschools to adult education. Continue to provide details and promote community events and other activities related to Chinese culture and Mandarin.

Mandarin Speaking Association for Encourage student ambassadors from the College of Asia Ambassadors Learning Mandarin in and the Pacific to promote tertiary studies in Mandarin. Australia Inc. (ALMA) Explore links with the ANU to identify and establish a pool of Australian National Mandarin-speaking ambassadors. University (ANU) Identified ambassadors to liaise with school principals and Chinese teachers to visit schools to promote and inspire current students to learn Chinese and engage in Chinese culture.

MANDARIN BLUEPRINT 13 PRIORITY: COMMUNICATION

INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

Development and Federation of Further develop the FCCCI Chinese School website to provide provision of community Chinese Community a contemporary and functional online service to the school and education websites of Canberra Inc. community. (FCCCI) - Chinese School

Australia China Australia China Publish a monthly Australia China Friendship Society Friendship Society Friendship Society newsletter to keep members informed of upcoming activities Newsletter ACT Branch and provide general information about topics of interest relating to China.

China student awards Australia China Recognise the recipients of China student awards, and Friendship Society acknowledge the achievement of the highest performing ACT Branch Chinese language student and most improved Chinese language student in Canberra public high schools and colleges.

Organise an annual Association for Coordinate and facilitate an annual meeting to share forum at the ANU to Learning Mandarin in progress and discuss achievements. share progress and Australia Inc. (ALMA) discuss achievements aligned with the Australian National Mandarin Blueprint University

14 MANDARIN BLUEPRINT FUTURE FOCUS AREAS

The development of the Mandarin Blueprint provides the opportunity to highlight future areas of focus for potential new or evolving activities or partnerships such as: •• expanding Mandarin proficiency •• expanding China-literacy •• promoting career prospects and life opportunities of future school graduates •• facilitating collaboration and articulation of Mandarin education in the ACT •• facilitating collaboration and articulation of Chinese culture education in the ACT •• amalgamation of efforts across the ACT •• supporting the general objectives as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the ACT Government and Shanghai Normal University, People’s Republic of China •• supporting the policy statements outlined in the Many Voices – 2012-16 Australian Capital Territory Languages Policy •• introducing new initiatives for the promotion of Mandarin language and Chinese culture in the ACT.

To foster partnerships and future activities, the ACT Government through the Education and Training Directorate, will provide a one-off seed funding grants round in 2015 totalling $50,000. Organisations and associations can apply for individual grants up to $5,000 known as ACT Government Mandarin Culture and Languages Grants.

To be eligible for funding, grant applicants will be required to demonstrate one or more of the following: •• links to actions articulated in the Mandarin Blueprint •• ongoing activities and/or new initiatives for the promotion of Mandarin language and Chinese culture through education in the ACT •• links to the Memorandum of Understanding between the ACT Government and Shanghai Normal University, People’s Republic of China •• links to the Many Voices – 2012-16 Australian Capital Territory Languages Policy •• evidence of collaborative partnerships with other organisations and associations to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture through education in the ACT.

Details of the projects and activities funded through the ACT Government Mandarin Culture and Languages Grants round will be published on the ACT Education and Training Directorate website.

MANDARIN BLUEPRINT 15 BLUEPRINT PARTNERS

a) ACT Education and Training Directorate The ACT Education and Training Directorate is committed to the teaching and learning of languages in Canberra public schools. The Directorate is working to ensure students receive access to quality language programs with a focus on language acquisition and cultural understanding.

The Curriculum Requirements in ACT Public Schools (P-10) Policy 2009 requires all Canberra public schools to provide a language program in one of eight priority languages: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. The Policy requires all Canberra public school students in years 3-6 to learn a language for a minimum of 60 minutes a week, and all students in years 7-8 to learn a language for 150 minutes a week. Schools may also choose to offer additional languages, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Implementation of this policy has resulted in a significant increase in the number of students learning a language in Canberra public schools.

Mandarin Language Pathways in Canberra Public Schools Several Canberra public primary schools offer Mandarin programs. Mawson Primary School offers students the opportunity for intensive study in a Mandarin Immersion Program. This unique program provides a high level of instruction in Mandarin. Understanding of Chinese culture is also incorporated into everyday learning across the school.

An established Mandarin language pathway provides the opportunity for students in Canberra public schools to continue learning Advanced Mandarin in years 7-10 at Melrose High School and in years 11-12 at Canberra College. b) Catholic Education Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, is proud of the quality of the 56 Catholic schools across the Archdiocese. Catholic schools seek to contribute to the creation of an Australian community that is highly educated, skilled and cultured with an ability to promote and embrace a critical analysis of social issues, the expansion of knowledge and the pursuit of truth.

Catholic Education recognises that learning a second language has the potential to boost students’ confidence and opportunities. Students learn Mandarin through the use of both ICT and face-to-face teaching. Through grants from the Asia Education Foundation, Catholic Education schools have purchased software programs now used in classrooms to enhance the learning of Mandarin. c) Association of Independent Schools (AISACT) The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT (AISACT) represents all independent schools in the ACT.

AISACT represents the views of member schools to government, media and in the wider education sector. The Association provides a range of services to member schools, including Australian Government and ACT Government targeted programs.

Each ACT independent school is separate and autonomous and governed by its own school board. AISACT does not operate as a system authority, but brings together the collective views of its schools. The Association is a member of the Independent Schools’ Council of Australia (ISCA), which represents the Associations of Independent Schools in each State and Territory of Australia at a national and international level.

16 MANDARIN BLUEPRINT d) Canberra Grammar School (CGS) Canberra Grammar School (CGS) is an independent Anglican school that welcomes students of all backgrounds and faiths to learn and flourish within a community guided by Christian values. The school has established The Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century to advance Asian Studies at both the primary and secondary level. The facility supports the school’s intent to educate students with an internationally-orientated curriculum, with opportunities for cultural and linguistic immersion abroad and studies in Asian languages and culture. e) Australian National University (ANU) College of Asia and the Pacific The Australian National University College of Asia and the Pacific brings together the largest concentration of scholars and students working on the Asia Pacific region in the English-speaking world. Within the college, there are different initiatives and departments that focus on researching and teaching Mandarin. These include:

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific - EngageAsia Initiative The EngageAsia initiative provides programs and courses for school teachers and school students looking to expand their knowledge of Asia and the Pacific. It is run by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, a national centre for Asia research and education.

ANU School of Culture, History and Languages- East Asian studies The Department of East Asian Studies at the ANU School of Culture, History and Languages engages with China, Japan, Korea and Mongolia through their local languages. Courses foster and promote a rigorous understanding of East Asian languages and complement teaching and research undertaken by the College of Asia and the Pacific.

The Australian Centre on China in the World (CIW) The Australian Centre on China in the World (CIW) is a world-leading research institution for Chinese Studies and the understanding of China, or what has been called ‘Greater China’ or the ‘Chinese Commonwealth’ (the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions, as well as Taiwan and the Chinese diaspora). f) University of Canberra (UC) The University of Canberra (UC) prepares students for a successful and rewarding career through opportunities to study languages at an approved tertiary institution, including the Australian National University. UC also prepares secondary school Mandarin teachers, by offering graduate secondary teaching qualifications for students with an initial degree majoring in Mandarin. UC offers regular Cross-Sectoral Study Tours to China for ACT school leaders and teachers. UC has a Memorandum of Understanding with both the ACT Education and Training Directorate and Canberra Grammar School to enhance Chinese Culture and Mandarin language education. g) Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia (TECO) The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia (TECO) promotes exchanges and interactions between Taiwan and Australia. TECO, on behalf of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ACT Education and Training Directorate to promote Chinese language in Canberra public schools. The MoU provides for the selection of language teaching assistants from Taiwan’s Mandarin teaching graduate schools to be appointed in Canberra public schools. The language teaching assistants enhance the Mandarin language ability of students and support teachers in the classroom. TECO also organises the annual ACT Mandarin Presentation Contest and partners with the ACT Education and Training Directorate to recognise winners of the contest in a formal awards ceremony.

MANDARIN BLUEPRINT 17 h) Association for Learning Mandarin in Australia (ALMA)

The Association for Learning Mandarin in Australia Inc. (ALMA) is a Canberra-based, not-for-profit, community organisation which promotes the learning and use of Mandarin and a greater understanding of Chinese culture and heritage in Australian society. ALMA operates a bilingual early childhood centre in Mawson and provides information about Chinese programs and opportunities to hear and practice Mandarin in the ACT region. In addition, ALMA acts as an advocate for the expansion and development of language programs, particularly at the preschool and school level. i) Australian School of Contemporary Chinese (ASCC) The Australian School of Contemporary Chinese (ASCC), also known as the Standard Chinese School of Australia (SCSA), is an ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies accredited and registered Specialist Education Provider in the ACT. It is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious community language school that provides Chinese language courses to students (P-12) and adult learners. The points students gain in learning the Chinese language at ASCC can be used for their Year 12 Certificate and may also be counted towards their ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) scores for the purpose of university entrance. The school’s primary objective is to promote learning of Chinese language and culture in an Australian context, conduct multicultural activities and support voluntary services within the community.

The Canberra Chinese Language Teachers Society (CCTLS) works closely with the ASCC to organise professional learning and mini-conferences to build teacher capacity. j) Australia China Friendship Society ACT Branch (ACFS) The Australia China Friendship Society (ACFS) ACT Branch is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that promotes friendship and understanding between the peoples of Australia and China through contacts, exchanges or other endeavours in the fields of education, culture, arts, music, languages, literature, medicine, health, science or benevolence.

The Society conducts the annual Panda Competition for students from preschool to high school level, where entrants submit a creative response to a nominated topic related to China or Chinese culture. Awards are presented to the best Chinese language student and the most improved Chinese language student from each participating public high school and college.

Monthly informal conversation evenings are conducted in Chinese/English. k) Federation of Chinese Community of Canberra Inc. (FCCCI) As part of the largest Chinese community organisation in the ACT, the FCCCI Chinese School started operation in 1994 in the Belconnen area. Established for over 20 years, the school has developed into one of the largest ethnic community language schools in the ACT, with over 200 students in 2015. The school is not-for-profit and run by a group of volunteers and parent representatives.

The school’s mission is to provide a fun and stimulating learning environment for children and to help them achieve proficiency in Chinese reading, writing and speaking. The school aims to teach students an appreciation and understanding of Chinese culture. All teachers are native Chinese speakers, and qualified and experienced in teaching Chinese to children. Due to a high demand, the school opened a new campus in the Woden area in 2015, and commenced operating a Chinese program at the St Vincent’s Primary School in Aranda every afternoon for beginners to learn the Chinese language.

18 MANDARIN BLUEPRINT USEFUL REFERENCES

1. Victoria. Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA). (2008). Melbourne Declaration on Education Goals for Young Australians. Retrieved from http://www.curriculum. edu.au/verve/_resources/National_Declaration_on_the_Educational_Goals_for_Young_Australians.pdf 2. South Australia. Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA). (2005). National Statement for Languages Education in Australian Schools: National Plan for Languages Education in Australian Schools 2005-2008. Retrieved from http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/languageeducation_file.pdf 3. Australian Capital Territory. ACT Government Community Services. (2012). Many Voices 2012-16 Australian Capital Territory Languages Policy. Retrieved from http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/multicultural/publications/amended-act-languages-policy 4. Australian Capital Territory. ACT Government Department of Disability, Housing & Community Services. (2010). Australian Capital Territory Multicultural Strategy 2010-2013. Retrieved from http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/multicultural/multicultural_strategy_2010-2013 5. Victoria. The University of Melbourne and Confucius Institute. (2008). The Current State of Chinese Language Education in Australian Schools. Retrieved from http://asiaeducation.edu.au/docs/default-source/Research-reports/chinareport.pdf?sfvrsn=2 6. Commonwealth of Australia. Australian Government. Australia in the Asian Century Issues Paper (White Paper). Retrieved from http://www.murdoch.edu.au/ALTC-Fellowship/_document/Resources/australia-in- the-asian-century-white-paper.pdf