Studies+of+Asia+Policy

= Studies of Asia Policy = = = **RATIONALE** Global integration, international mobility and technological change continue to rapidly escalate. As a consequence it has become important for students to gain an in-depth understanding, appreciation of and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity and a sense of global citizenship.

**AIMS** · Develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of environments, cultures and societies of Asia. · Develop an understanding of the diversity of the values within Asian societies and awareness beyond cultural stereotypes. · Identify the contributions of the cultures of Asia to world heritage, traditions, values and human endeavour, including those in the arts, science and technology.

**IMPLEMENTATION** · The funding for a specific Arts-focused project (2011 – 2012) was obtained through National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program, Becoming Asia Literate: Grants to Schools Round 2 in October 2010. · The Project Leader and a dedicated team will be responsible for planning and making decisions. They will meet once each term. · The Principal and Leadership Team will provide commitment to the project by support at school administration level and support for staff participation in professional development activities. · An art component, including use of ICT, in accordance with the whole school inquiry topics will be developed each term and implemented as part of our regular arts program. · A highly successful LOTE Program in Japanese language is currently embedded in our school curriculum. This program involves communicating in LOTE and intercultural knowledge. Our Studies of Asia project will enhance the Japanese LOTE Program and extend it into other Asian regions such as China, Indonesia and Korea. · We will design and implement programs to support professional development for teaching staff in the performing and visual arts and the intercultural understandings between Australia and our Asian neighbours. · We will include an Asian focus in incursions and excursions related to whole school inquiry topics. · We will support the Arts project by using the Ultranet, Internet and collaborative learning spaces for teachers. · Opportunities for public performances and/or exhibitions will be planned regularly. This will create links within the school community. · Whole school inquiry topics will include an Asian focus where possible; e.g. The Human Body could involve some exercises from tai chi. · The Art-focused project will be reviewed over the next two years.

**EVALUATION** This policy will be reviewed after two years.

(This policy was ratified by the School Council in February 2011.)