Language

Beliefs and values in language
Language is fundamental to learning, thinking and communicating, and permeates the whole curriculum. It is necessary not only to learn language, but also learn about language and through language. Learning best takes place in authentic contexts, and literature plays a special role in enabling this to happen. The strands of oral, written and visual communication are learned across and throughout the subject areas.

Our school has a special responsibility to recognise and support language development to ensure that all students are provided with the environment and the necessary language support to enable them to participate fully in the academic program and in the social life of the school, as well as to develop as individuals. All teachers in our school are considered teachers of language. Language learning plays a major role in schools where the language(s) of instruction may not be the student's first language. It also has the potential to increase intercultural awareness and understanding, and enables students to remain in touch with and maintain esteem for the language, literature and culture of their home country. It is a strong predictor of their long-term academic archeivement, including acquisition of other languages. Respect for differences between languages and between dialects should be promoted.