NSW, Australia: Public Schools in New South Wales state of Australia is going to teach Punjabi language from Kindergarten To Year 10 from next session.
Gurmeet Kaur, who has been working for development of Punjabi language syllabus in New South Wales says, “Another milestone has been achieved with the teaching of Punjabi language in NSW Public schools commencing from the next session.”
She reportedly told SBS Punjabi, ‘The work on the development of syllabus of Punjabi language has been going on for the last two years. We have attended numerous workshops organised by NESA, (the NSW Educations Standards Authority) and have finally handed it over on 27th of November’.
Explaining the various phases of implementation she said, ‘From 2020, Punjabi can be taught as an optional subject, from 2021 it will be taught in Kindergarten through to year 6 in primary schools, and year 7 and elective in year 9. And finally, from the year 2022, it will be taught from Kindergarten right to year 10 and students can continue it in their HSC like they are doing now.’
Talking about the highlights of Punjabi syllabus, Gurmeet Kaur said, ‘Like other main subjects, Punjabi syllabus is also inclusive, flexible, equitable, culturally sensitive, respectful and related to Aboriginal culture and education.’
‘The most significant thing about this syllabus is that it is specifically designed to cater for those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and want to learn Punjabi’, she reportedly added.
‘Many organisations like National Sikh Council of Australia, Guru Nanak Punjabi School, Revesby Punjabi School and Saturday School of Community Languages have worked tirelessly to achieve this significant milestone’, SBS quotes Gurmeet Kaur.