Punjabi Language Immersion Program

Victoria’s First Punjabi Beacon School

Mount Ridley P–12 College is honoured to be recognised as Victoria’s first Beacon School for Punjabi, as part of the Department of Education’s Languages Beacon Schools initiative. This program identifies and supports schools that lead innovative language education and share best practice across the state. As the first school to offer Punjabi under this initiative, we are working closely with the Department to model excellence in curriculum design, teacher development, and community engagement—paving the way for future Punjabi language programs in schools across Victoria.

Leading the Way in Punjabi Language Education

Mount Ridley P–12 College is proud to be at the forefront of Punjabi language education in Australia. As a leading school in this space, we are spearheading the development of the first Punjabi Curriculum Skills Continuum tailored to the Victorian and Australian educational context. In addition, our team is creating purpose-built textbooks and learning resources that reflect the lived experiences, culture, and identity of Punjabi-speaking communities in Australia. This pioneering work ensures our students receive a culturally responsive and academically rigorous language program that sets a new national benchmark.

Why Punjabi Immersion?

In 2025, Mount Ridley P–12 College proudly launched the Punjabi Language Immersion Program, beginning in Year 7. Unlike traditional language classes, our immersion model integrates Punjabi into core subject areas—starting with Humanities—allowing students to learn the language through real, meaningful content. This approach mirrors how language is naturally acquired in real-life settings and makes learning more engaging, purposeful, and memorable.

By embedding Punjabi within the curriculum, students develop strong language skills while accessing the full breadth of academic learning offered at our College. There are no prerequisites or prior knowledge of Punjabi required—students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Learners in the immersion program remain in the same mentor class from Years 7 to 9, creating a close-knit environment that supports deep friendships and consistent peer learning.

The Benefits of Language Immersion
International research has shown that students in immersion programs consistently outperform their peers in a range of areas. Benefits include:

Increased engagement, motivation, and enjoyment in learning
Stronger literacy skills in both English and the additional language
Improved critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Higher achievement across subject areas
Enhanced intercultural understanding and empathy—essential for becoming active and informed global citizens
More authentic and relevant language acquisition by learning through content, not just vocabulary and grammar in isolation

Is This Program Right for Your Child?
The Punjabi Language Immersion Program is ideal for students who:

Enjoy working with others and communicating effectively
Are curious, open-minded, and enthusiastic about new experiences
Think creatively and critically
Thrive on challenges and enjoy solving problems

Our Three-Year Punjabi Immersion Implementation Plan

Mount Ridley P–12 College has developed a strategic, three-year plan to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the Punjabi Language Immersion Program. In 2025, we will launch the program at Year 7 and begin building a high-quality, locally responsive curriculum aligned with Victorian Department of Education standards. In 2026, the program will expand to Year 8, and we will introduce VCE Punjabi at Year 11, providing students with access to formal senior language pathways. By 2027, the program will be fully established across Years 7–9, and we will offer the final year of VCE Punjabi at Year 12. Throughout this journey, we will continually refine our curriculum and teaching resources, drawing on teacher expertise, student feedback, and evidence-based practice. Importantly, we will engage families and the wider community in shaping the direction of the curriculum—gathering feedback, co-creating key elements, and ensuring the program reflects community aspirations while meeting departmental requirements.

Looking Ahead: Expanding into Primary Years

Alongside our three-year implementation plan for Years 7–12, Mount Ridley P–12 College is committed to exploring the long-term integration of Punjabi language learning across all year levels. From 2027 onwards, we will begin investigating the feasibility of extending the Punjabi Language Immersion Program into the P–6 years. This forward-thinking approach aims to provide students with early, consistent exposure to Punjabi, supporting deeper language acquisition and stronger cultural connections from a young age. As with our secondary program, this process will involve close consultation with families, staff, and community members to ensure any future expansion reflects shared values and aligns with the educational needs of our diverse school community.

Year 7 Punjabi Language Immersion Program 2026 Application Process

The application process for the Year 7 Punjabi Language Immersion Program 2026 is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. All of the information gathered is used to help select the students who will be best equipped to cope with the rigours of a language immersion program.

STEP 1: ONLINE EXPRESSION OF INTERST FORM

Students hoping to be considered for a place in the Year 7 2026 Punjabi Language Immersion Program are invited to complete an online expression of interest form.

Online expression of interest form opens on Thursday 3^rd July and will close on Friday 1^st August.

Year 7 Punjabi Language Immersion Program 2026 Online Application Form:

https://forms.office.com/r/9ZpJEEKPjY

STEP 2: DISCUSSION WITH THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

All applicants who have submitted an expression of interest form will be contacted by the Director of the Punjabi Language Immersion Program. You will have a short discussion with the Director to ensure that all questions regarding the program have been answered. The Director will also seek information regarding your child and why they wish to participate in the Language Immersion Program.

STEP 3: FINAL SHORTLISTING OF APPLICANTS

All applicants will undergo final shortlisting with the Program Director and Principal Class member. The shortlisting will be determined by expression of interest and discussion with the Program Director and where applicable references from the student’s primary school.

STEP 4: SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

Upon consideration of all components of the application process, all applicants will be notified via email correspondence of the outcome of their application following the confirmation of enrolment at the College. The decision by the College is final.

Final placements for the Year 7 2026 Punjabi Language Immersion Program at MRC will be confirmed by Thursday 9^th October, 2025 (Term 4 Week 1).

Please note:

Completion of the Punjabi Language Immersion Program expression of interest does not automatically secure enrolment at Mount Ridley College. ‘The Department of Education Year 6 to Year 7 Transition: Application for Year 7 Placement’ Form must still be submitted to the Year 6 Coordinator at your Primary School.

Enrolment Eligibility and School Zone

Families wishing to enrol their child in the Punjabi Language Immersion Program must reside within the designated school zone for Mount Ridley P–12 College. As a government school, enrolment is subject to Department of Education zoning guidelines, which prioritise students living within our local intake area. We encourage families to check their residential address using the official Find My School website to confirm eligibility: www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au. This tool provides up-to-date information about school zones and can help you determine whether Mount Ridley P–12 College is your designated neighbourhood school.