International Opportunities
Internationalism is important to the school – it is an expression of our Christian brotherhood and, given the changing face of international relations, cross-cultural understanding is seen as essential. Such an international perspective is integrated into all curriculum areas.
Dynamic sister school connections are established Datong High School Shanghai China (the pre-eminent state school in Shanghai, with many teacher exchanges since 1990. The school also sponsors the China Daily Century 21 English language competition in mainland China. This is the largest student, English language competition in China. St Paul’s sponsorship involves our students traveling to China each year and a reciprocal hosting of the language competition student winners.
A number of international students are enrolled in the senior High School, with the majority from mainland China. Students live with local Australian families in homestay, organised amongst the school community. Learn how to enrol international students »
As a demonstration of the importance of internationalism, the school offers Mandarin Chinese as a compulsory language to all Kindergarten to Year 7 students, and Mandarin Chinese, Latin, French and Spanish as electives in the High School.
Tours are arranged for language students on a regular basis to such destinations as, China, Noumea, France and Spain. These tours specifically focus on enhancing language learning, with in-country language lessons followed by the opportunity to practice the language in its native environment. Since 2009 a biennial Junior school trip for students and parents to China has also operated to support the teaching of Chinese language and culture
The school also receives significant numbers of overseas exchange students and provides opportunities for our students to travel overseas for exchange visits. Such exchanges further enhance a school culture of intercultural understanding and respect.
Many students participate successfully in the National Chinese Eisteddfod, and a Chinese Day is organised annually which aims to expose our students to the various aspects of Chinese culture.