Gunjan from Beacon School joins Krishna to discuss Hindi and Punjabi in VCE. Learn how heritage languages boost ATAR scores. Listen free on Radio Haanji.
Ever felt the sting of your child losing their mother tongue while growing up in Melbourne? It is a common worry for our community. We want them to excel in the Australian system, but we also want them to keep that vital connection to their roots.
In this episode of Interviews on Radio Haanji, host Krishna sits down with Gunjan from the Beacon School Foundation. They discuss a massive shift in how our heritage languages are taught. Hindi and Punjabi are no longer just "Saturday school" subjects; they are moving into the mainstream Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum.
If you have ever wondered how your child can earn VCE points while staying connected to their culture, this conversation is for you. Gunjan explains how this government-backed initiative is changing the game for Indian-Australian families.
What Is the Beacon School Initiative?
For years, many of us relied on the Victorian School of Languages (VSL) on Saturdays. While helpful, it often felt separate from "real" school. The Beacon School initiative, backed by $1 million in Victorian government funding, changes that by bringing Hindi and Punjabi into the daily classroom.
This model integrates these languages into the mainstream secondary school curriculum. It means students can study their mother tongue as a formal subject during regular school hours, just like Maths or Science. This move validates our cultural identity within the formal Australian education system.
Key Highlights: Schools and Curriculum Pathways
Gunjan shared that the program is currently running in specific pilot regions. If you are in Melbourne's West or South East, your child might already have access:
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Hindi: Offered at Wyndham Central College (Melbourne West) and Alkira Secondary College (Cranbourne North).
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Punjabi: Introduced at Mount Ridley College.
The journey starts early. Students in Grades 7 and 8 can take these as core subjects. By Grade 9, it becomes an elective. Finally, in Grades 11 and 12, it is a full VCE subject that contributes directly to their final ATAR scores. It is inclusive, too—even non-native speakers are welcome to enroll.
The Power of Bilingualism and Heritage
Beyond the academic scores, there is a deeper "treasure" here. Gunjan and Krishna discussed how bilingualism fosters stronger family bonds and emotional grounding. When a child can speak Punjabi or Hindi fluently, they aren't just learning words; they are gaining a sense of achievement and belonging.
The government is also investing heavily in our teachers. Last year, 18 educators underwent rigorous upskilling to ensure the instruction meets the highest Australian pedagogical standards. This ensures the program is educationally robust and sustainable for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my child study Hindi or Punjabi in VCE?
Your child can study Hindi or Punjabi in VCE by enrolling in a school participating in the Beacon School initiative. Currently, Hindi is offered at Wyndham Central and Alkira Secondary Colleges, while Punjabi is at Mount Ridley College. These subjects count toward their final ATAR score like any other senior subject.
Does studying a heritage language help with ATAR scores?
Yes, studying Hindi or Punjabi in VCE can help with ATAR scores. Many languages qualify for a "scaled" bonus because they are considered more challenging or culturally significant. This means the marks your child earns in their mother tongue could potentially give their final ranking a helpful boost.
Is the Beacon School program only for heritage speakers?
The Beacon School program is not only for heritage speakers. While designed to support the Indian diaspora, the curriculum includes pathways for non-native speakers to enroll. Any student interested in learning Hindi or Punjabi can participate, fostering a multicultural environment where these vibrant languages can be shared with everyone.
How can I get these language programs at my local school?
To get these language programs at your local school, you should contact your School Council. Gunjan from the Beacon School Foundation emphasizes that expansion depends on community demand. If enough parents express interest in the Beacon School model, the Victorian government can look at bringing the program to your area.
What is the difference between VSL and Beacon Schools?
The difference is mainly in the schedule and integration. The Victorian School of Languages (VSL) typically operates outside regular hours, often on Saturdays. Beacon Schools integrate Hindi and Punjabi into the mainstream weekday curriculum, making the language a core part of the student’s daily academic life and social environment.
Conclusion
The integration of Hindi and Punjabi into the mainstream VCE curriculum is a proud moment for our community. It turns our heritage into an academic asset. As Gunjan reminded us, these languages are a gift we can give the next generation—one that helps them succeed in Australia without losing who they are.
Listen to the full discussion on heritage languages in VCE with Krishna and Gunjan—only on Radio Haanji.
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