Shine Magazine, Issue 3, April 2010 - Department of Education and ...

What is International Education about?
International education is about connecting Victorian students and educators with the world.
It is about a two way exchange of knowledge and culture that provides opportunities for
Victorian students and teachers to deepen their international-mindedness, cultural literacy
and global citizenship. This exchange can be encouraged through international student
programs, student, teacher and principal overseas study experiences, school-to-school
relationships and a more globalised curriculum.
Celebrating the contributions of international
students and educators
International Education Week celebrates the
contributions that international students and
educators bring to Victoria, and showcases
the many things schools are doing to connect
their students and teachers with the world.
The objectives of the week are to:
• welcome international students to Victoria
and celebrate the contribution made by them
and overseas educators to the Victorian
community
• showcase the many programs in which
schools are engaged to augment whole school
approaches to international education
Schools creating
global communities
To further ‘internationalise’ Victoria’s school education, the Department of Education
and Early Childhood Development continually provides opportunities for students,
teachers and school leaders to engage across other languages and cultures. This is
consistent with the Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development’s vision
to ensure we equip young people with the skills and capabilities they will need for
economic, social and cultural success in the 21st century. The Blueprint also reflects
the importance of young Victorians making effective contributions to
their local and global communities.
• increase cultural awareness and cross
cultural communication; and
• expand the international mindedness
of Victorian students and educators.
Some of the activities being held by schools
throughout the week include traditional dancing
classes, cross cultural awareness discussions,
presentations by exchange students and
culture based research projects. In addition, the
Department’s International Education Division
is hosting several events aimed at exploring
and highlighting the internationalisation of our
school education.
International Education Week:
19–25 April 2010
A week of celebrations
Monday 19 April – Languages Symposium
The theme for this symposium is Language Teaching and Learning
and the Internationalisation of Victorian Education. An expert
panel from the education and industry sectors will present their
views and engage the audience on the contribution of language
studies to the internationalisation of education in Victoria. This
event will be facilitated by Jenny Brockie of SBS TV’s popular
show, ‘Insight’.
Wednesday 21 April – Secretary’s Roundtable
The Secretary’s Roundtable will bring together senior
Departmental staff and other influential thinkers to inform the
Department’s longer term vision for internationalising education
in Victorian schools. The discussion topics will include: How will
Australia / Victoria be placed in the world in 5, 10, and 20 years
time? Why does the Victorian education system need to continue
to internationalise? What do young people expect from schools to
equip them to be global citizens?
Thursday 22 April – Government House Welcome
to International Students
This event welcomes newly arrived international school students
and celebrates and acknowledges the contribution made by all
international students and educators to the Victorian economy
and community.
The Governor will host this event and over 500 international
students from the government, independent and catholic schools
sectors together with their accompanying teachers will participate
at this event. There are several regional welcome events that are
also being held throughout the week.
Friday 23 April – Asian Perspectives Seminar
This seminar will explore how Asian perspectives
in Victorian teaching and learning
can further impact system
improvement; workforce
reform; and partnerships with
parents and communities. The
event will be hosted by Chris
Wardlaw, Deputy
Secretary, Office
for Policy,
Research and
Innovation,
and will
feature keynote
speakers from the Asia Education Foundation, the
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting
Authority (ACARA), and McCrindle Research.
All week – Photo competition
International students from all schools in Victoria
have been invited to submit photographs of their experiences in
Victoria in a storybook or portfolio style. They are required to address
themes such as their first impression of Victoria/Melbourne, or a
week in the life of an international student enrolled in a Victorian
Government School. A selection of the storybooks/portfolios will
be displayed at the Government House function and the winner
announced by the Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, on the day.
Raising awareness of global and intercultural
engagement
As well as welcoming new international students to Victoria
and celebrating the contribution made by them and overseas
educators to the Victorian community, the Department hopes that
this week-long celebration will also increase awareness of the
benefits of global and intercultural engagement. As a result of
technology and Australia’s proximity to Asia, many Victorians will
spend their working lives in multinational environments, and by
internationalising our state’s education system the Department
is preparing students and educators to thrive in these modern
workplaces and a globalised world.
For more information regarding
International Education please visit:
www.study.vic.gov.au