Published Thursday, 29 May, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Students to test Chinese language skills
Students from 17 schools across Queensland will attend a Chinese speaking competition at the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology in Toowong on Friday (30 May).
Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the statewide competition, organised by the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Queensland, would allow Years 7 to 11 students to test their skills in an increasingly important discipline.
“Being fluent in a second language will give students a distinct advantage when competing in the sophisticated 21st century career market,” Mr Welford said.
“In addition to the economic advantages inherent to the study of language the social impact of strong language skills is profound.
“UNESCO has designated 2008 the International Year of Languages to recognise and acknowledge the importance of language in everything from education to the sciences and culture.”
Mr Welford said students at the Queensland Academies aspired to these international ideals.
“Students at all three academies are required to study a second language as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program,” he said.
“In addition to Mandarin, students at the Science, Mathematics and Technology Academy can choose Spanish, French or German.
“The international focus is reflected in all their subjects as well as the extension opportunities they undertake with the academies’ university partners.”
The four winners from the Years 10/11 category will take part in the 2008 Australia-China Council National Chinese Speaking (Hanyuqiao) Competition in Canberra on 11 July. The winners' trip to Canberra will be sponsored by the Australia-China Council.
The University of Queensland language professor and broadcaster, Roly Sussex, and Chinese Consul General, Ren Gongping, are attending the event as special guests.
The Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology, is one of three speciality state high schools for high achieving students in Years 10 to 12.
Students interested in applying for Year 10 entry in 2009 can find out more by phoning the Queensland Academies on 3350 7880 or visiting the website: www.qldacademies.eq.edu.au
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the statewide competition, organised by the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Queensland, would allow Years 7 to 11 students to test their skills in an increasingly important discipline.
“Being fluent in a second language will give students a distinct advantage when competing in the sophisticated 21st century career market,” Mr Welford said.
“In addition to the economic advantages inherent to the study of language the social impact of strong language skills is profound.
“UNESCO has designated 2008 the International Year of Languages to recognise and acknowledge the importance of language in everything from education to the sciences and culture.”
Mr Welford said students at the Queensland Academies aspired to these international ideals.
“Students at all three academies are required to study a second language as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program,” he said.
“In addition to Mandarin, students at the Science, Mathematics and Technology Academy can choose Spanish, French or German.
“The international focus is reflected in all their subjects as well as the extension opportunities they undertake with the academies’ university partners.”
The four winners from the Years 10/11 category will take part in the 2008 Australia-China Council National Chinese Speaking (Hanyuqiao) Competition in Canberra on 11 July. The winners' trip to Canberra will be sponsored by the Australia-China Council.
The University of Queensland language professor and broadcaster, Roly Sussex, and Chinese Consul General, Ren Gongping, are attending the event as special guests.
The Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology, is one of three speciality state high schools for high achieving students in Years 10 to 12.
Students interested in applying for Year 10 entry in 2009 can find out more by phoning the Queensland Academies on 3350 7880 or visiting the website: www.qldacademies.eq.edu.au
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000