How the Filipino language thrives as a VCE subject in Australia

The Filipino language is one of the options available as a VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) subject for high school students in the State of Victoria.

The Philippine language School in Victoria has been an accredited VCE provider for the Filipino language since 199. Credit: prathanchorruangsak /envato

Key Points

• The Philippine Language School in Victoria has been a VCE provider since 1999.
• 2,000 VCE students have completed the course at the Philippine Language School.
• There has been a focus on teaching and using Filipino in a way that is sensitive to child safety, particularly in protecting against verbal and physical abuse.

We also teach proper language use. We have expressions in Filipino or Tagalog that are not very pleasant to hear, such as 'bobo' or 'lumayas ka dito'. These can lead to verbal abuse, so we need to be careful.

Perla Luetic, Philippine Language School

At the end of Buwan ng Wika (Language Month), there will be a cultural celebration recognising the various languages of the Philippines. The event, titled "Ibat-ibang Wika: Iisang Diwa" (Different Languages: One Spirit), will take place at the Philippine Community Centre in Laverton.