ELLA program to expand into more schools

MORE of the youngest learners across the Geelong region will get the opportunity to learn a foreign language with an expansion to the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program.

ELLA uses a play-based digital application to teach preschool children a second language.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said eight preschools in her electorate – in Ocean Grove, Belmont, Highton, Torquay, Anglesea, Winchelsea and Colac – were among the almost 2,500 preschools participating in the program across Australia.

She said the expansion of the ELLA program into more preschools and primary schools would give many more Corangamite children an opportunity to learn a language.

“The Morrison Government is providing an additional $11.8 million to expand the ELLA program into more preschools and establish a trial in foundation to year two classrooms.

“Equipping our children with language skills can provide them with a boost for life. Students who have learned a second language are known to perform better in literacy and numeracy during their schooling.

“I encourage all preschools and primary schools across Corangamite to find out more information about the ELLA program and take up this opportunity to add the program to their teaching plans.”

The federal government has provided $27.5 million to the ELLA program since 2014.

For more information on the trial, including expressions of interest, head to education.gov.au/ early-learning-languages-australia.