Languages at School

Schools offer Languages other than English (LOTE) and English as a second language.

Languages other than English (LOTE)

Given the cultural diversity of Australian society and the value of knowing another language, including its potential to expand future career opportunities, Victorian government schools provide high-quality language education for all students.

In 2005, 18 languages other than English were taught in government primary schools, and a further 44 through the Victorian School of Languages. Nearly 31,000 students were learning 50 languages in after-hours schools. The most commonly taught languages are Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, German, French, Chinese (Mandarin) and Auslan (language for the hearing impaired). Other languages include Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic, Croatian, Hebrew, Koorie languages, Korean, Macedonian, Spanish and Turkish, and the list is growing.

Languages offered depend on the school attended.

English as a Second Language (ESL) programs

Students learning English as a Second Language (ESL) are able to enrol in English language schools and centres, or receive targeted support in their schools, in their first 12 months in Australia. Funding is also provided to schools to provide ESL programs for students learning English as a second language.

More information

For more information, you can contact the school, see:  Schools Online (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline) or Region