Northern school students learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) will receive more support through an additional $37.9 million in funding for the 2024 school year.
In an announcement on September 7, Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said the growth of EAL facilities in Victoria means students will have access to English learning to further study and career options.
“Victoria’s multicultural society is what makes this such an incredible place to live and learn,” Ms Hutchins said.
“We’re making sure those migrants who need it are supported with critical English language skills.
“Our schools and teachers are doing an amazing job of helping newly arrived Victorians get high level English language skills sooner, so they have access to the full range of opportunities Victoria has.”
The additional funding will support the language learning of EAL students who are newly arrived in Australia, and Australian-born students in mainstream schools who need extra English language support.
The state government said almost 14 per cent of Victorian students are EAL learners and a targeted focus on their needs boosts schools to provide an inclusive educational environment.
The investment ensures that schools are able to employ EAL teachers and Multicultural Education Aides (MEAs) so that more students get access to English language programs across 2024 and 2025, the state government said.
Newly arrived EAL students attend their closest English language school or centre for six to 12 months before transitioning to a mainstream school.
Students in rural and isolated locations can access the Virtual New Arrivals Program delivered by the Victorian School of Languages.
