A new course, Chinese Language, Culture and Society, will better meet the needs of students who are not from a Chinese-speaking background.

China is Victoria’s largest trading partner and the Labor Government is working to strengthen our economic and cultural ties with a better understanding of Chinese language and culture.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) has been working for more than a decade to increase the quality and accessibility of Chinese courses.

In 2014, it conducted a state-wide consultation on how to improve the number of students studying Chinese language at VCE level.

The new subject mixes study of contemporary Chinese culture and Chinese language development – perfectly suited to students who wish to gain a broad grasp of Chinese culture while continuing their language studies.

It will give students a sound basis for proceeding with further Chinese language studies at university, and will also provide excellent preparation for employment in areas such as tourism, technology and financial services.