Roundtable Discussion: Bilingual Challenges for Youth, Families, and Educators

Concerns have deepened within our community in light of recent educational policy shifts in Western Australia, notably the removal of bonus points for languages other than English from the ATAR calculation. This decision poses a direct challenge to the linguistic diversity that enriches our society. It echoes an alarming trend highlighted by experts like Dr. Ken Cruickshank, where students often emerge as monolingual English speakers despite starting their education fluent in multiple languages. This gradual shift not only diminishes individual cultural heritage but also the collective mosaic of our community.

Multilingual Australia invites teenagers, young adults, parents, and educators to an essential Roundtable Discussion. This forum will delve into the experiences of maintaining heritage languages amidst these challenges. Your perspective is crucial, whether you're directly affected by these changes, supporting a learner on their bilingual journey, or advocating for a more inclusive educational environment.

Don't miss this opportunity to join a movement championing multilingualism and cultural diversity. Together, we can make a difference. We look forward to welcoming you and hearing your voice in this vital conversation.