Increasing language diversity in western Sydney schools

Nearly 250 language backgrounds are represented in NSW public schools, according to a new report.

Data from the NSW Department of Education Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) report also shows that the number of western Sydney students from a language background other than English (LBOTE) is almost double the state average.

Nearly three-quarters (73.2%) of western Sydney students come from a home where languages other than English are spoken. Around NSW, an average of just over a third (38.6%) of public school students come from a home where languages other than English are spoken, while in greater Sydney public schools, the average is 58.1%.

At Canley Vale Public School, 97% of students come from a language background other than English, representing 35 language groups — making it the school with the fourth-highest percentage of students with a language background other than English in western Sydney.

The school’s diversity helps create a harmonious community within and outside the school gates, according to Canley Vale Public School Principal Margaret Creagh.

“With so many different languages, everyone is accepting of every culture. We have a beautiful school culture where a strong sense of belonging and inclusiveness exists. This is certainly something of which I am proud.”

Students at Canley Vale Public School have made significant achievements in literacy and numeracy programs in recent years as a result of implementing explicit teaching programs, and the school has seen a boost in attendance in recent years.

The school supports its students academically with the help of its equally diverse staff, with Vietnamese, Khmer, Cantonese, Arabic, Hindi and Italian among the 23 languages spoken by its teachers and support staff.

Understanding language diversity helps principals and schools tailor student support, giving schools the ability to provide culturally inclusive education celebrating students’ cultural and linguistic diversity.

“Our NSW public schools are high-quality learning environments where each student is supported for their unique abilities, including their language background,” said Prue Car, Minister for Education and Early Learning.

“It is fantastic to see students from some of our most linguistically diverse schools achieving academic success, particularly in western Sydney.”

Image caption: Deputy Premier Prue Car with staff and students at Canley Vale Public School.