Immersion students take a global approach to learning

(By Emily Cotter – Bond University Journalism student)

Sixty Varsity College Chinese immersion students have recently returned from China where they fine-tuned their Chinese language skills in the homes of Chinese families.

The intensive immersion program, which begins in grade six, demands a high level of concentration and is made up of a tightly knit driven group of students who then have the chance to do an exchange abroad.

Deputy principal of Varsity College, Andrew Taylor, is pleased with the outcome of the immersion program.

“It’s a real collegiate environment where it’s a combination of extraordinary teachers and students who love and want to learn and help each other out,” said Mr Taylor.

He said the immersion program did more than teach the students a second language.

“China is our biggest trading partner and it is increasing every day so we are preparing them for their future in a relatively challenging and stimulating learning environment that they seem to thrive in,” said Mr Taylor.

The program fosters focus and concentration in its participants, an evident result in the grade nine immersion NAPLAN scores that were twice the national average.

Following grade eight, students receive 60 per cent of their classroom curriculum in the Chinese language.

Although a primarily Chinese classroom curriculum may appear daunting to most students, grade eight immersion student Keily Davis finds it has improved her skills in all subjects.

“It has really helped me in my others subjects to help me concentrate and listen to everything that is being said,” said Keily.

“I really take time and listen to what is being said now.”

Every two years Chinese immersion students have the opportunity to practise their language outside the classroom.

In September this year Varsity College took 60 immersion students to China to partake in a homestay where they practised their language in a fully Chinese-speaking environment, including in Chinese classes.

In exchange for their stays in China, Varsity College families host Chinese students in return and are preparing for their arrival.