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.
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Partners

ACT Government

Mawson Primary School

Melba Copland Secondary School

Melrose Primary School

The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT

Canberra Grammar School

ACT Community Language Schools Association

Franklin Early Childhood School

Catholic Education – Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn

BSSS - Board of Secondary Senior Studies

Kingsford Smith School

Canberra High School

University of Canberra

Australian National University

FCCCI Chinese School
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
Shanghai Normal University

Asian Education Foundation

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia

Australian School of Contemporary Chinese

ACT MLTA

Association for Learning Mandarin in Australia Inc

Chinese Australia Early Childhood Centre

CCLTS

Australian China Friendship Society ACT Branch Inc
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Contents
Acknowledgement of Country ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Partners ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Minister’s Message .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cultural Awareness & Engagement ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Working with Teachers and Students ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Resources ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Communication ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Future Focus Areas .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Blueprint Partners .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Useful References .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
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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
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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
Chinese symbols for Harmony
C
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Cultural Awareness & 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
Understanding (MoU) Regarding a sister school
relationship between the
Government of the
Australian Capital Territory
and Shanghai Normal
University, People’s
Republic of China
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Facilitate academic exchanges between Canberra public school teachers, Shanghai
Normal University and Shanghai Normal University Schools.
Increase information and research exchange (including collaborative research-related
activities) between Canberra public school teachers and Shanghai Normal University
and Shanghai Normal University Schools.
Increase sister school relationships between Canberra public 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 Foundation
Forum
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Collaborate to deliver the Asia Education Foundation Forum: Building Asia Capability
in ACT Schools.
Asia Education Foundation
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PRIORITY: CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Building Relations through
Intercultural Dialogue and
Growing Engagement BRIDGE Program
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Promote and facilitate the opportunity for eligible ACT language teachers to
participate in the Asia Education Foundation BRIDGE (Building Relations through
Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement) program.
ACT Education and Training
Directorate - Memorandum
of Understanding
(Promotion of Chinese
Language)
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Sister School partnerships –
Canberra public schools
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Maintain and expand sister school partnerships between Canberra public schools and
schools in the People’s Republic of China.
Sister School partnerships –
Independent schools
Canberra Grammar School
Maintain and expand sister school partnerships between Canberra Grammar School
and schools in the People’s Republic of China.
Events and Competitions
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Promote and conduct the annual ACT Mandarin Presentation Contest and Awards
Ceremony.
Asia Education Foundation
Partner with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to appoint Chinese speaking
language assistants in Canberra public schools.
Taipei Economic and
Cultural Office (TECO)
Taipei Economic and
Cultural Office (TECO)
Events and Competitions
Australia China Friendship
Society
Promote and conduct the annual Panda competition for students from all preschools,
primary schools and high schools in the ACT.
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PRIORITY: CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Events and Competitions
Australia China Friendship
Society
Promote and conduct the opportunity for ACT schools and the wider community to
participate in the annual Lantern Festival.
Events and Competitions
Australian National
University - College of Asia
and the Pacific
Promote and conduct the annual Australian National University Asia Pacific Day as
part of the EngageAsia program.
EngageAsia Programs
Australian National
University - College of Asia
and the Pacific
Provide and promote opportunities for students and teachers to participate in
language immersion workshops, guest lecture series and student ambassador talks at
the Australian National University.
Classroom Practice and
Cultural Immersion
Program
Canberra Grammar School
Establish Connected Classrooms with students and staff in sister schools in China.
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
Programs
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Promote and deliver the Mandarin bilingual and language programs at Mawson
Primary School.
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PRIORITY: CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Promote Mandarin pathways at:
Mandarin Immersion
Programs
ACT Education and Training
Directorate - Mawson
Primary School
Chinese Australian Early
Childhood Centre

Mawson Primary School

Melrose High School

Canberra College
Promote and conduct the bilingual program (Chinese/English) offered at the
community based early childhood centre (Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre CAECC) for children from birth to 6 years located on the Mawson Primary School
grounds.
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
Mandarin Immersion
Programs
Chinese Australian Early
Childhood Centre.
Employ qualified bilingual early childhood educators to deliver Mandarin programs to
young children enrolled at the Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre.
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia
Inc.(ALMA)
Explore options for expanding Early Childhood Mandarin immersion programs in the
ACT.
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PRIORITY: CULTURAL AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Student Study Tours –
China and/ or Taiwan
Canberra public schools
Provide the opportunity for students studying Chinese to 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 Canberra
Coordinate and conduct a cross-sectoral study tour to China for ACT educators and
school leaders.
Community Radio
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
Co-host a bilingual program on community radio 2XX to support families interested in
maintaining and/or developing their children’s Mandarin skills. Continue to encourage
children’s interest in, and use of, the language through fun activities.
Community Tutoring
Project
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
Promote and coordinate the Mandarin Community Tutoring Project, which introduces
speakers of Mandarin in the ACT to others who are learning the language.
China Friendly City
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
Explore the possibility of declaring Canberra a China Friendly City.
Conversation Evenings
Australia China Friendship
Society ACT
Promote and conduct monthly informal conversation evenings in Chinese/English for
community members to promote the learning of Chinese and to gain an
understanding of Chinese culture.
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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 for students to engage in quality languages 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.
PRIORITY: WORKING WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Australian Curriculum:
Languages Implementation
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Support Canberra public school teachers with implementation of the Australian
Curriculum: Languages through activities and events facilitated by the Chinese
Language Network.
Professional Learning –
building teacher capacity
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Promote and conduct professional learning opportunities to build the capacity of
community language school teachers four times a year.
Network Liaison – Chinese
Language Network
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Provide the opportunity for ACT language teachers to network once a term through the
Chinese Language Network meetings.
Explore opportunities to include teachers of Chinese from Community Language
Schools to join the Chinese Language Network.
Mandarin Language
Pathway
ACT Education and Training
Directorate
Provide a Mandarin Language Pathway in Canberra public schools from primary school
to college.
Mandarin Learning
Scholarship Program
Taipei Economic and
Cultural Office (TECO)
Offer an annual Mandarin learning scholarship program, Huayu Enrichment
Scholarship, to sponsor Australian students over the age of 18 to retain and enhance
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PRIORITY: WORKING WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Chinese language proficiency in Taiwan.
Curriculum Development
Australian School of
Contemporary Chinese
Develop Chinese courses which incorporate the new Australian Curriculum and the
Chinese Language Proficiency Standards for teachers.
Cultural Immersion
Canberra Grammar School
Promote the establishment of combined cultural familiarisation and EALD (English as an
additional Language or Dialect) courses at Canberra Grammar School.
The Snow Centre for
Education in the Asian
Century
Canberra Grammar School
Promote the establishment of The Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century.
Senior Studies and
University Pathways
Canberra Grammar School
Engage the community by offering a lecture series on Asia, Asian culture and Asian
language.
University of Canberra
Engage with the University of Canberra and the Australian National University to
promote the study of Chinese language and culture by offering pathways to senior
students studying in ACT schools.
Australian National
University
Mandarin Education
Pathways to Proficiency
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
Australian National
University – College of Asia
Research and explore initiatives, resources and programs in order to maximise
opportunities for students and teachers of Chinese, such as:

language forums

opportunities for students to follow articulated programs of study
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PRIORITY: WORKING WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
and the Pacific
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

professional learning for Community Language School teachers.
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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: RESOURCES
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Support for curriculum
delivery
ACT Education and
Training Directorate
Provide access to Scootle resources, developed by Education Services Australia, to
support the learning and teaching of Chinese.
Support for curriculum
delivery
ACT Education and
Training Directorate
Promote the Language Learning Space (LLS): Chinese, a web-based platform developed
by Education Services Australia which offers resources and services to support teachers
and students in language classrooms.
Catholic Education,
Archdiocese of Canberra
and Goulburn
Promote the ‘CanUHanyu’ App developed by Education Services Australia which is
designed to support learners of Chinese.
Association of
Independent Schools
Community Language
Schools
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PRIORITY: RESOURCES
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
ELLA (Early Language
Learning Australia) Trial
Franklin Early Childhood
Participate in the ELLA pilot program for Australian schools which has been designed to
School – trialling Mandarin test the effectiveness of providing preschool children with early exposure to a language
other than English through access to a digital learning platform.
ELLA (Early Language
Learning Australia) Trial
ACT Education and
Training Directorate
Represent the Directorate at ELLA meetings as required.
Mandarin Education
Programs
Federation of Chinese
Community of Canberra
Inc. - Chinese School
Promote the expansion of community Mandarin education programs for school-aged
children in the ACT through the non-profit community based weekend schools.
Mandarin Education
Programs
Federation of Chinese
Community of Canberra
Inc. - Chinese School
Assist and promote Mandarin teaching programs in after-school programs across the
ACT and explore ways to further network, assist and support Mandarin teaching
programs in ACT schools and preschools.
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
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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
Regular sharing of
ACT Education and
initiatives and opportunities Training Directorate
Community Language
Schools Association
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Convene a meeting of the Community Language Schools Association four times a year to
share current initiatives and activities occurring in the ACT which promote language
learning and engagement with languages and cultures.
Canberra Multicultural
Community Forum
University of Canberra
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc
(ALMA)
Increased networking for
language teachers
ACT Education and
Training Directorate
Provide the opportunity for a representative from the ACT Chinese Language Network to
attend meetings conducted by the committee of the Modern Language Teachers
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PRIORITY: COMMUNICATION
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Association of the ACT Inc. to enhance cross-sectoral input and increase communication
and collaboration between languages teachers.
Development and provision
of community and
education websites
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
Coordinate and promote the ALMA website to provide a comprehensive list of sites
where Mandarin can be learnt 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
Ambassadors
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc.
(ALMA)
Australian National
University (ANU)
Encourage student ambassadors from the College of Asia and the Pacific to promote
tertiary studies in Mandarin.
Explore links with the ANU to identify and establish a pool of Mandarin-speaking
ambassadors.
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.
Development and provision
of community and
education websites
Federation of Chinese
Community of Canberra
Inc. (FCCCI) - Chinese
School
Further develop the FCCCI Chinese School website to provide a contemporary and
functional online service to the school community.
Australia China Friendship
Australia China Friendship
Publish a monthly Australia China Friendship Society newsletter to keep members
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PRIORITY: COMMUNICATION
INITIATIVE
RESPONSIBILITY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
Society Newsletter
Society ACT Branch
informed of upcoming activities and provide general information about topics of interest
relating to China.
China student awards
Australia China Friendship
Society ACT Branch
Recognise the recipients of China student awards, and acknowledge the achievement of
the highest performing Chinese language student and most improved Chinese language
student in Canberra public high schools and colleges.
Organise an annual forum
at the ANU to share
progress and discuss
achievements aligned with
the Mandarin Blueprint
Association for Learning
Mandarin in Australia Inc
(ALMA)
Coordinate and facilitate an annual meeting to share progress and discuss achievements.
Australian National
University
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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
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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
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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
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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.
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.
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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.
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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-inthe-asian-century-white-paper.pdf
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