BSPS was the first Italian bilingual school in Victoria. The program began in 2012 and was formally accredited in 2017. We have a rich history of Italian migration in our area and that footprint is still visible and audible in our community. Whilst some of our students come from Italian-speaking backgrounds, most do not. There is no language pre-requisite; our program is designed to support the success of all students regardless of their language background.
Our aim is for every student to achieve success and we pride ourselves on orchestrating learning that is challenging, fun and connects students to their deeper purpose in the world.
There is strong researched evidence that bilingual education has a significant positive impact on student learning. Bilingual students develop greater attention and focus when learning and have an increased task-switching ability than their monolingual counterparts. They have a more pronounced awareness of metalinguistic forms, drawing parallels and connections between language systems. All this aids in the improvement of memory and visual-spatial skills.
At BSPS, all students undertake 50% of their learning through the English language and 50% through the Italian language, as they progress through the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. In Literacy, (Reading, Writing) we immerse our students in the Italian language, and texts that have been sourced from Italy too! Students gain gradual understanding of the language, building upon their language bank each year. They learn how to manipulate the language and to respond to show comprehension. In Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability, Science, Visual Arts and Performing Arts we follow a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) type model where the content that needs to be understood is taught using the Italian language. Physical Education and Health & Wellbeing are delivered through the English language. Of course, there are lots of opportunities to engage in the Italian culture as well, such as Italian Day, Festa di Primavera, Pranzo Italiano Club and the Amici Insieme peer support program. BSPS is the only school in Australia to take part in the international Giochi Matematici del Mediterraneo (Mediterranean Mathematics Competition)!
At BSPS, we only use the best educational practices, all of which are founded on scientifically-based research. Our teachers work with academics from the University of Melbourne Languages Department to build their instructional capacity within our highly impactful model. Our Bilingual Pedagogy Leader supports teachers in the delivery of metacognitive pedagogies, and our Literacy and Numeracy Learning Specialists provide strong instructional leadership to ensure all teachers are equipped to support every child in their learning.
The best way to understand our model is to see it in action! Please contact the office on 93801231 to arrange a tour for you and your child.
Studies show us that, regardless of your child’s ability, learning another language can:
Stimulate brain development: Research has consistently shown that learning through two languages helps develop essential areas of children’s brains. It strengthens the brain’s capacity to process and retain information. Bilingual students develop superior cognitive skills, including thinking more creatively, connecting ideas, problem-solving, task switching abilities, and strengthening children’s memory for sequences.- Significantly enhance English literacy skills: The cognitive benefits of bilingualism are evident in our students’ strong performance in reading, writing, and spelling. The ability to read and write in two languages strengthens overall literacy, with students excelling in comprehension and language fluency in both English and Italian. Learning through language means more than just memorising lists of words. Children automatically compare and contrast the system of the new language they are learning with the language that they already know. This gives them insight as to how English works, which can then accelerate their ability to read and write.
- Improve memory, concentration and numeracy skills: Our students demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills in numeracy. The mental flexibility developed through learning two languages supports students in mastering mathematical concepts and applying them effectively in problem-solving scenarios. Learning through language strengthens children’s memory for sequences and their ability to concentrate and build connections.
- Improve overall performance at school: Learning another language is associated with excellent, long-term academic results. Studies show that in the world’s highest-performing school systems, all students in all year levels learn one or more languages. It is clear that students engaged in bilingual education also perform above their monolingual peers on NAPLAN tests in literacy and numeracy.
- Enhanced Communication: Bilingual students are better equipped to communicate effectively across diverse contexts. Learning two languages helps students develop greater flexibility in expressing ideas and understanding different perspectives.
- Cultural Awareness and Global Citizenship: Our bilingual program is strongly supported by both the school and Italian communities. Through their immersion in the Italian language and culture, students develop a deep appreciation and respect for cultural diversity, preparing them to be thoughtful, empathetic global citizens.
- Academic Resilience: The skills learned through bilingual education – including perseverance, adaptability, and critical thinking – help students navigate challenges with resilience and confidence, both academically and in life.
‘BSPS’s bilingual program means a different thing to each student. To me it’s a gateway to a different type of learning: we learn about culture, language and tradition. At one point, by accident, I started telling my mum about my day in Italian. On lots of people’s bucket list, it says ‘learn another language’ and it is one of the things that doesn’t get completed. I was able to tick it off before my eighth birthday.’ Rosie – Year 5/6
Here are just a few interesting links on bilingualism:
Raising multilingual kids: ABC Radio Segment
Promoting Languages in the Curriculum
The conversation.com ‘Speaking in tongues: the many benefits of bilingualism’