New centre for Chinese language students

Hundreds of Brisbane students will be able to study the language and culture of China following the opening of a new learning centre in the city.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek and Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls today officially opened Kedron State High School’s new ‘Confucius Classroom’, which will also be used by students from surrounding schools.

“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring our children have a bright future by providing them with the best and broadest education possible,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Today’s opening expands the strong and diverse language teaching already in place at Kedron State High and backs our unrelenting drive to achieve better outcomes for students.

“Learning a second language is a wonderful opportunity for any student, but language teaching can also help young people improve their communication skills and understanding of other cultures.”

Mr Nicholls said he was pleased to see students taking an interest in the language and culture of one of Queensland’s largest trading partners. 

“Promoting Asian language studies strengthens our links with close and valued neighbours such as China,” he said.

“We know education underpins a strong economy and the Queensland Government is committed to ensuring students have a great education so they can enjoy fulfilling careers.”

Kedron State High is the sixth school in Queensland to open a Confucius Classroom, all of which follow the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority Language Syllabus.

“I congratulate Chinese language teacher Ms Cola Wu for her work over the past five years at Kedron State High, including conducting study tours to China for students and staff,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I also thank retiring principal Mr Myron McCormick and acting principal Mrs Jennifer Hall for their support of language studies.”

The new Confucius Classroom was opened with the assistance of a $10,000 grant from the Confucius Institute of Queensland University of Technology.

In addition to Modern Standard Chinese, Kedron State High teaches Spanish, Japanese, French and Auslan sign language for its highly multicultural student population, 30 per cent of whom speak English as a second language.

Approximately 13 per cent of Queensland state school students who learn a second language study Modern Standard Chinese, making it the third-most widely taught language in the state system.

[ENDS] 25 July 2014

Media contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652