Languages
Why do we teach languages in ACT schools?
- Learning a language is a core component of the ACT curriculum framework.
- Students extend their thinking and reasoning skills and they apply these in other areas of learning and in processing knowledge.
- learning languages assists a student develop multiple intelligences.
- Using more than one language is a skill of the highest order.
- Knowing aspects of another language improves students' skills in using English and communicating effectively.
- Learning a language assists students to use modern communication and information technologies like computers and the Internet.
- Students will be able to engage with other cultures using the skills gained by learning a language
- Students will be able to relate to their local society and culture as well as being able to operate globally.
For useful general / individual language websites and associations which assist teachers with professional learning and useful pedagogical strategies please see links below.
The Curriculum Executive Officer for Languages manages national and local funding for language initiatives. The Curriculum Support P-12 section assists teachers and schools to improve language outcomes for their students. This assistance includes professional learning, curriculum development and opportunities for language teachers to access external funding initiatives to build on their current school practice.
Such initiatives include the Endeavour Language Teacher Fellowships funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training and the Intercultural Language Teaching and Learning in Practice (ILTLP) project.
The National Plan for Languages Education in Australian Schools 2005-2008 
provides an overarching framework for state, territory and Australian Government activities.
- The statement affirms the place of languages education in the school curriculum, and describes the purpose and nature of learning languages.
