About Multicultural Education
Introduction
Multicultural Education is a whole school process that prepares all students for their roles and responsibilities in an interdependent world. It places students at the centre of all school practices that promote multi-perspectives and an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity within a democratic society.
This section contains advice for teachers and school leaders on the background and moral imperative for progressing Multicultural Education in Victorian schools.
Education for Global and Multicultural Citizenship
A Strategy for Victorian Government Schools, 2009 - 2013
The purpose of this new Education for Global and Multicultural Citizenship is equip all students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to prosper and thrive in a world characterised by global mobility and cultural, political and economic connectivity.
The outcome of this strategy will be that Victorian government schools are supported to equip all their students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and intercultural literacy needed for active and multicultural citizenship.
The Minister for Education, the Hon Bronwyn Pike, launched the strategy on Friday, 20 March 2009.
A vision for Multicultural Education
The school community contributes to Victoria’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Schools assist all students to develop the understanding, knowledge and skills to contribute to, and benefit from the diversity that characterises our globalised world.
Rationale
Victoria is a culturally and linguistically diverse state. The population is characterised by increasing mobility and social interaction based on dynamic communities of varied geographic, cultural and social networks. Victorians originate from over 230 nations with one person in four being born overseas. We speak approximately 180 different languages and follow at least 116 different religions. Schools are at the forefront in the effort to equip our young people with the skills and knowledge to be successful global citizens, able to appreciate and interact with people of all backgrounds.
The Principles of Multiculturalism
The Principles of Multiculturalism statement included in the Multicultural Victoria Act 2004 recognise the fact that Victorians come from diverse cultural, religious, racial and linguistic backgrounds. It places value on the richness that such diversity brings to the Victorian community. Parliament supports the obligations of citizenship and promotes the diversity to which it refers by recognising the following principles:
- all individuals in Victoria are entitled to mutual respect and understanding regardless of their cultural, religious, racial and linguistic backgrounds
- all individuals and institutions in Victoria should promote and preserve diversity and cultural heritage within the context of shared laws, values, aspirations and responsibilities
- all individuals in Victoria (regardless of background) have shown that they can work together to build a positive and progressive future and this co-operation is to be encouraged so as to enhance Victoria as a great place in which to live, work, invest and raise a family.
See: Victorian Multicultural Commission – Legislation (http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au) - provides information on the two key pieces of legislation that relate to our multicultural community, including the Multicultural Victoria Act 2004 which contains the Principles of Multiculturalism.
What is Multicultural Education?
The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood is committed to the development of an education system where all students are empowered to take advantage of our community’s economic, social and individual opportunity. Just as racism and prejudice cannot be permitted to hinder the progress of any individual, all our young people are entitled to benefit from the richness of our multicultural society, and develop the understandings and skills to contribute as confident world citizens.
Multicultural Education is not a discreet learning area, or simply the provision of Languages other than English (LOTE) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Multicultural Education ensures that all students have access to inclusive teaching and learning experiences. These experiences will enable students to participate successfully in a rapidly changing world where cross-cultural understanding and intercultural communication skills are essential.
For a copy of the links between multicultural education and VELS, visit Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/crosscurricular.html).
In a school context and with the support of school polices, programs and practices, Multicultural Education helps students to develop:
- proficiency in English
- competency in a language or languages other than English
- in depth knowledge and awareness of their own and other cultures
- an understanding of the multicultural nature of Australia’s past and present history
- an understanding of, and skills to interact in, intercultural settings
- an appreciation of the importance of local, national and international interdependence in social, environmental, economical and political arenas and an understanding that mutual support in these areas is vital to local and global harmony.
Schools should ensure multicultural perspectives are incorporated into all aspects of school life by:
- promoting diversity as a positive learning experience
- incorporating multicultural perspectives across all learning domains
- incorporating multicultural, anti-racism, and human rights perspectives in school polices and practices
- enhancing teachers’ and students’ intercultural understanding and cross-cultural communication skills
- ensuring that all school policies, including three year strategic and annual plans,Codes of Conduct, dress codes and discipline policies reflect the diverse nature of the school community.