The Victorian Government’s India Strategy aims to strengthen ties between Victoria and India through meaningful and long term engagement. International student exchanges are supported by the strategy as a method of building strong personal connections between Victoria and India as well as helping students from both countries develop a broader outlook on the world.
Rangebank Primary School in Cranbourne—which in 2012 became the first government school in Australia to include Hindi in its language program for students in Prep to Grade Six—hosted students from one of their two sister schools in India. Students from Bluebells International School in New Delhi (the sister school of Rangebank) have been living with host families for the past two weeks.
They were visited by the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews and Parliamentary Secretary for Education Judith Couacaud Graley MP. The students spoke enthusiastically about seeing the sights of Victoria including Sovereign Hill and Phillip Island as well as participating in classes at Rangebank Primary School.
The two schools enjoy sharing teaching methods and resources, they participate in student exchanges and conduct joint lessons via Skype. Rangebank Primary School Principal Colin Avery has said the students and staff are already planning a trip to visit to New Delhi to visit Bluebells International School.
“These types of programs help bring India and Victoria closer together. We are both aspirational societies. We are tenacious. We believe in the value of education and supporting our young people in their pursuit of opportunities,” said Member for Narre Warren South Judith Couacaud Graley.
The way the students, staff and community of Rangebank Primary have embraced their Hindi Language Program is inspirational, and demonstrates the best values of the Education State, she added.
“Having the students from Bluebells International visit is a fantastic way for the students and staff at Rangebank Primary to continue learning about India,” she said.
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