Chinese whispers in class

Research showing bilingual students do better in all their subjects compared with those who speak just one language is a key reason behind Oberthur Primary School's decision to teach several classes in Chinese.

The method, in which lessons are conducted only in the target language, started last year with three classes of pre-primary students, who were taught maths, society and environment, music and sport in the language.

The immersion program expanded to Year 1 this year, with four classes spending up to one-third of the week being taught in Chinese, including science, maths and art.

Principal Tim Bamber said the Bull Creek school had adapted a model used in about a dozen Victorian schools. Research at those schools had found bilingual students outperformed monolingual students significantly "across the board" over time.

In contrast to many primary schools allocating an hour or less a week to language, Oberthur students are taught in Chinese for up to 90 minutes a day. "Our view was that a little bit often is better than a lot at one time," Mr Bamber said.

The students also learn about Chinese culture through dance and martial arts. Kung-fu lessons before school proved so popular, an extra class was added.

Mr Bamber said the program had led to a big increase in applications from prospective students.