Conference Papers
Session L2.2. Australian Languages and the Evolving Australian Curriculum for Languages
Discsussion panel
In this round table discussion session we open up a conversation about the place of Australian Languages in the evolving Australian Curriculum for languages. The process has produced a document which sets out a broad conceptual background and guidelines for the development of specific language curricula: Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Languages. Flowing from that, a Framework for Australian Languages will be developed for the eventual implementation in classrooms across Australia. The framework will need to confront a range of issues, including: the diversity of language situations; programme types suitable for the delivery of language learning to match this diversity; the content of curricula. The process will build on existing programmes across the country but will need to accommodate the range of priorities in different educational jurisdictions. Crucial to the process will be ongoing consultation with speakers of Australian languages and their descendants. Although the process focuses on language pedagogy in schools it will need to be part of a broader context of language in the community, the home and adult education. In this way the fostering of Australian languages will relate to a number of themes within the conference, including: education; intergenerational connections; health and well being, and, representation, culture and identity.
Chair bios: Jakelin Troy has been the companion writer for the Shape Paper with particular responsibility for Australian Languages. She has been a member of the Languages Advisory Committee which oversees the process for all languages.
Michael Walsh has also been a member of the Languages Advisory Committee. They will briefly provide background to the process and then open the session up for general discussion.