Published
7 September 2018
Ministers
Student youth ambassadors embarking on Chinese adventure
Students from Oberthur Primary School in Perth's southern suburbs have been made Honorary Youth Ambassadors ahead of a 16-day study tour in China.
- 34 students heading to China become Honorary Youth Ambassadors
- Students set to put years of learning Mandarin into practice
Students from Oberthur Primary School in Perth's southern suburbs have been made Honorary Youth Ambassadors ahead of a 16-day study tour in China.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery granted the 34 students from Years 5 and 6 with the important titles at a special school assembly this morning.
The students have been learning Mandarin since they were in pre-primary through the school's Chinese Immersion Program. Students are taught the curriculum (mathematics, music, physical education etc.) solely in Mandarin for six and a half hours a week.
The group, along with their teachers and principal Tim Bamber, will travel to Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Xi'an and Beijing and will learn about China's culture and visit cultural sights.
During their five days in Beijing, the students will explore the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square as well as spending a day in the classroom working with local students from Fang Cao Di Primary School.
It will be the eighth time Oberthur Primary School has embarked on a student tour to China, with the trip offered to students every alternate year.
In 2017, 8,281 kindergarten to Year 12 students studied Mandarin at Western Australian public schools, up from 7,321 the year before.
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"These students will be exposed to practical learning opportunities while representing Western Australia in China - immersing themselves in the culture, learning about Chinese history and speaking the language.
"Learning a language - particularly an Asian language - is a critical skill for tomorrow's leaders.
"Speaking Mandarin and understanding Chinese culture will be hugely beneficial for students as we diversify our economy and continue to engage with Asia on business, trade and tourism opportunities."
Minister's office - 6552 5700
