Bilingual Program
In 2018, the school trialled a Bilingual Program in Year 1. This program has now been extended to include Years 1 to 6 in 2023. The school is intending to offers 2 classes in every year level in the Bilingual Program in 2024. The Bilingual Program utilizes Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) pedagogical practice and offers children the opportunity to undertake subjects bilingually in Chinese. The Bilingual Program not only offers children the opportunity to become fluent in a second language but also increase their cognitive ability by developing brain plasticity, improved working memory and increased neural pathways. This brain development can also support learning across all other disciplines especially if it begins before the age of eight.
Research has shown that bilingual people have enriched cognitive control and are more likely to have better memory, visual-spatial skills and creativity. The explicit improvement agenda of fostering expert teaching teams and high yield bilingual pedagogical practices has led to engaged, independent, resilient students who are successful learners. The primary goal of the bilingual program at Robertson State School is to develop accelerated learning and improved cognitive ability in our students, rather than just language acquisition.
Applications for Entry (AFE) into the Bilingual Program for Year 1 open after an information session In early Term 4 each year for parents and carers of Prep students.
Chinese - Mandarin Program
All students learn Chinese from Prep to Year 6, which aims to build a strong foundation in Chinese language skills and intercultural understanding and aligns with the National Curriculum.
The teaching and learning approaches of the Chinese subject focus on developing the students' four Chinese macro-skills (speaking, reading , listening and writing) and intercultural understanding, and to promote cultural appreciation in language learning. Units of work are collaboratively developed, with direction from the National Curriculum as well as the needs and interests of the students.
Chinese is recognised as an important language for young Australians to learn as Australia progresses towards a future of increased trade and engagement with Asia. Therefore, the 'Languages and International Programs' project has been launched at the school since March 2016 to manage future international relations with overseas sister schools and to promote the language program around the school and community.
International Programs
The school has partnered with Mingchen Primary School in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province in China to provide opportunities for biennial international study tours, sister school exchanges and professional development for staff.
Our sister school agreement with Zhenjiang Mincheng Primary School in Jiangsu Province began in 2018 with a return visit scheduled for every second year, in even years.
The China study tour was far more than a sightseeing adventure. It strengthened our sister-school partnership, fostered international friendships and broadened our students' understanding of the world around them. The experience offers lessons in independence, communication, cultural appreciation and global citizenship that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone.