As per a 2021 survey, it was found that Panjabi was the fastest-growing language in Australia. More than 239,000 people were using it at home, an increase from over 80 percent in 2016. This was a surprising discovery and led to today's news.
According to SBS Punjabi, a new and unique decision has been taken to teach this language in public schools in Western Australia. Keeping this new guideline in mind, The syllabus for pre-primary to year 12 will be reconsidered and redeveloped.
A student who wishes to develop their skills in this area can take Year 11 courses from next year. The first Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) course examination is scheduled to take plan in 2025, and the curriculum for the pre-primary to Year 10 will start in 2024.
As per the words of Sue Ellery (Education Minister), Punjabi will be offered as an option to pre-primary through year twelve students, which will be a significant step towards linguistic diversity. Western Australia is home to over 190 languages, and this new curriculum is expected to become a great strength that will offer a range of social, cultural, and economic benefits.
Linguistic diversity has been kept in mind before. Previously, we have seen Australian Sikh history being part of Humanities and Social Sciences subjects in WA for years five, six, and nine.
During a press release, Ellery stated that he is pleased with the expansion of the language curriculum in the state and finds the language fitting as it holds the potential to support students in crucial future employment opportunities.
