Keeping German Language in WA Classrooms
WAGBA is delighted to be included as part of the discussion initiated by Sabine Winton MLA, WA Minister for Education on Thursday, 12 June. The meeting brought together German language educators across all levels—primary, secondary and tertiary—as well as representatives from organisations including WAGBA, SAGSE, TAGWA, and the Goethe Society.
With her own German heritage, the Minister expressed genuine interest in strengthening German as a second language in WA. After brief introductions led by Torsten Ketelsen OAM, former Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany and Director of WAGBA; and Stephan Kirsch, the President of WAGBA, the conversation covered challenges in the current education landscape in WA: falling student enrolments, school-level decisions to cancel classes, and the stiff competition German faces from other languages such as Mandarin, French, and Italian.
The role of student exchange programs in attracting interest, and the need to engage parents were also highlighted as decision-makers in selecting which language is to be chosen as a learned second language in schools. While the Department’s Language Assistance Program has helped bring German teachers into WA schools, issues around teacher registration, lack of standardisation, and succession planning were raised as areas needing improvement.
Of particular concern is the state-funded languages program, due to expire in 2028. The Minister noted that discussions to extend it are ongoing, but timely decisions are needed to support long-term planning.
The meeting, though informal, marked a rare and welcome opportunity for direct dialogue. It underscored the shared commitment to preserving and promoting German language education in WA, and the need for stronger collaboration moving forward. As our mission statement – “Connecting people in business and culture” – says, WAGBA is delighted to be part of these important conversations and hopes to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the role of German language in WA's multicultural education landscape.
