The Berwick Secondary College
Language Centre of Excellence
The origin of the Language Centres of Excellence
In 2001 the Victorian State Government commissioned an analysis into the teaching of languages in Victoria . The resulting report Languages for Victoria's Future, highlighted a number of key findings and recommendations that would strengthen the importance of "languages as an essential skill in the curriculum of all students”. The following is an excerpt from that report.
Findings
Schools need access to a greater range of models and structured advice in order to deliver appropriate language programs to various categories of students. Centres of Excellence in Languages could provide an innovative model of languages provision, using a range of approaches, including information and communication technologies (ICT), for those with a special interest in, and aptitude for, languages.
Recommendation 5
That the feasibility and cost of establishing at least three Centres of Excellence in Languages in schools or clusters of schools at secondary level, two in metropolitan Melbourne and one to two in country Victoria be investigated and that they be identified through expressions of interest that encourage schools/clusters to secure substantial support and partnerships and take a lead in the innovative use of ICT, online and multimedia materials and act as lighthouse schools that promote ICT for languages and skill teachers in its use."
Where are the Centres for Language Excellence?
Three centres were announced by the Department of Education at the end of 2004, each with a different composition and focus. Although formal funding for each centre ceased in 2007, you can still access resources via their websites below:
- Berwick Secondary College LOTE Centre of Excellence:
A single school of operation.
Languages taught: German & Indonesian - Centre of Excellence in Languages - Warrnambool Network:
A cooperative project between Warrnambool and Brauer Colleges.
Languages taught: Indonesian, Japanese & French - CELOTE:
A cluster based centre comprising of Essendon Keilor College, Strathmore Secondary College, Moonee Ponds West Primary School and Mackellar Primary School.
Languages taught: Italian & Japanese
What's happening at the Berwick centre?
When Berwick Secondary College applied to be a Language Centre of Excellence, it was decided that the focus of the project would be the embedding of ICT practices into the teaching of LOTE. This was seen to be one of the key ways to engage, motivate and retain students in the learning of languages. The Berwick Secondary College proposal was ultimately successful and the LOTE Centre of Excellence has been in operation since the commencement of 2005. The first 12 months were very much a settling in period, where a range of new initiatives were trialled and run. It has now come to the point where there is enough going on to share with the wider teaching community.
The following list outlines what has been happening at the Berwick centre over the three years of funding:
- Appointment of an ICT specialist teacher to work within the LOTE faculty to develop resources, conduct professional development and assist in the embedding of ICT into the curriculum.
- The development of an ICT rich flexible learning space (through the Leading Schools Fund) in the LOTE department to allow the LOTE classes to participate in a range of ICT activities.
- Developing and trialling global projects such as web conferencing, email, discussion boards etc.
- Using a range of ICT rich resources to engage students in the LOTE classroom.
- Establishing and developing strong links with local primary schools including projects such as cross age tutoring and cultural activities.
- Running International days of celebration events.
- Building the LOTE Centre of Excellence website to provide resources and details of our programs and initiatives for the benefit of all LOTE teachers.
- Running PD for teachers across Victoria to share in the work of the Centre.
The Centre of Excellence project in 2008
Due to a surplus in the budget after the initial three year funded period, Berwick Secondary College has found itself in the unique position of being able to continue the Centre of Excellence project for an additional 12 months.
In 2008 the centre will look very different to what it has for the last three years. The focus will now shift to sharing knowledge with the local community, particularly schools in the Berwick area. A coordinator will oversee the project, while two teaching and learning coaches will spend time with teachers at local primary and secondary schools assisting them to enhance their LOTE programs using the lessons, skills and knowledge learnt through the Centre of Excellence project at Berwick Secondary College. It will be an exciting year.