evidence of collaborative partnerships with other organisations and associations to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture through education in the ACT. Details of the projects and activities funded through the ACT Government Mandarin Culture and Languages Grants round will be published on the ACT Education and Training Directorate website. Blueprint Partners a) ACT Education and Training Directorate The ACT Education and Training Directorate is committed to the teaching and learning of languages in Canberra public schools. The Directorate is working to ensure students receive access to quality language programs with a focus on language acquisition and cultural understanding. The Curriculum Requirements in ACT Public Schools (P-10) Policy 2009 requires all Canberra public schools to provide a language program in one of eight priority languages: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. The Policy requires all Canberra public school students in years 3-6 to learn a language for a minimum of 60 minutes a week, and all students in years 7-8 to learn a language for 150 minutes a week. Schools may also choose to offer additional languages, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Implementation of this policy has resulted in a significant increase in the number of students learning a language in Canberra public schools. Mandarin Language Pathways in Canberra Public Schools Several Canberra public primary schools offer Mandarin programs. Mawson Primary School offers students the opportunity for intensive study in a Mandarin Immersion Program. This unique program provides a high level of instruction in Mandarin. Understanding of Chinese culture is also incorporated into everyday learning across the school. An established Mandarin language pathway provides the opportunity for students in Canberra public schools to continue learning Advanced Mandarin in years 7-10 at Melrose High School and in years 11-12 at Canberra College. b) Catholic Education
evidence of collaborative partnerships with other organisations and associations to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture through education in the ACT. Details of the projects and activities funded through the ACT Government Mandarin Culture and Languages Grants round will be published on the ACT Education and Training Directorate website. Blueprint Partners a) ACT Education and Training Directorate The ACT Education and Training Directorate is committed to the teaching and learning of languages in Canberra public schools. The Directorate is working to ensure students receive access to quality language programs with a focus on language acquisition and cultural understanding. The Curriculum Requirements in ACT Public Schools (P-10) Policy 2009 requires all Canberra public schools to provide a language program in one of eight priority languages: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. The Policy requires all Canberra public school students in years 3-6 to learn a language for a minimum of 60 minutes a week, and all students in years 7-8 to learn a language for 150 minutes a week. Schools may also choose to offer additional languages, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Implementation of this policy has resulted in a significant increase in the number of students learning a language in Canberra public schools. Mandarin Language Pathways in Canberra Public Schools Several Canberra public primary schools offer Mandarin programs. Mawson Primary School offers students the opportunity for intensive study in a Mandarin Immersion Program. This unique program provides a high level of instruction in Mandarin. Understanding of Chinese culture is also incorporated into everyday learning across the school. An established Mandarin language pathway provides the opportunity for students in Canberra public schools to continue learning Advanced Mandarin in years 7-10 at Melrose High School and in years 11-12 at Canberra College. b) Catholic Education