ABC News – Louisa Rebgetz
“A trial program is aiming to revive language study in Australian high schools by starting with children at a much earlier age. Experts say the earlier children start learning a second language, the better the outcomes in development, literacy and engagement. This month, a Federal Government trial program was rolled out in pre-schools across the nation in a bid to boost the number of bilingual students graduating from high school in years to come. Kenmore Park Kindergarten in western Brisbane is one of the 41 pre-schools taking part in the $9.8 million, 12-month trial. At Kenmore, tablet computers supplied by the Government loaded with apps are being used to teach Japanese in every possible way to children at the kindy as part of an immersion course. At other kindies, the program will also provide courses in Mandarin, Indonesian, French or Arabic. Kenmore Park director Annie Kelly said the children had really embraced the opportunity.”(more)