EDUCATION AND STATE – VICTORIA

Teaching Mandarin in Victorian schools, student exchange top of China strategy

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Original article by Chip Le Grand
The Age – Page: Online : 17-Sep-25

Closer education links with China will be a key part of the Victorian government’s so-called ‘China Strategy’. Premier Jacinta Allan has signed a memorandum of understanding during a personal meeting with China’s Minister for Education, Huai Jinpeng. The agreement includes a student exchange program at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, while Victorian students will learn Mandarin. Allan has also announced that China’s Trina Solar has received approval for a $435m battery project in Victoria. However, she has declined to comment on a transport announcement that she is slated to make later this week, and whether it will include Chinese investment in the Suburban Rail Loop project.

CORPORATES
VICTORIA. DEPT OF PREMIER AND CABINET, CHINA. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, TRINA SOLAR LIMITED

Andrews makes pitch to parents

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Original article by Richard Willingham, Steve Lillebuen
The Age – Page: 4 : 27-Oct-14

The Australian Labor Party on 26 October 2014 staged its official campaign launch for the Victorian state election in November. Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews made increased spending on education a major plank in his platform, pledging $A1.3bn in total. Many of the measures consist of assistance payments to school students from low-income households. However $A320m will also be allocated to supporting and relaunching TAFE colleges. Meanwhile federal Labor leader Bill Shorten mocked Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s failure to campaign with Premier Denis Napthine in Victoria

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY, VICTORIA. DEPT OF PREMIER AND CABINET, AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET, VICTORIA. DEPT OF TREASURY AND FINANCE, HOLMESGLEN INSTITUTE OF TAFE

Grade-splitting bad for children’s learning, teachers argue

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Original article by Jewel Topsfield
The Age – Page: 2 : 30-Sep-14

Victorian teachers have criticised the practice of grade-splitting. Schools are saving costs when teachers are away by dividing pupils into small groups in other classes. Teachers said that grade-splitting hindered learning because of large classes and lack of individual attention. Schools are splitting grades, rather than hiring casual-relief teachers

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION UNION, AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY, VICTORIA. DEPT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT