Punjabi Language Immersion Program

Introduction

The Punjabi Language Immersion Program has been implemented from Year 7 in 2025. Students

 undertaking this program will experience the full breadth of the curriculum offered at our College while combining teaching content from Humanities with the explicit teaching of the Punjabi language. Immersion learning is a revolutionary concept because, by enabling students to learn a language through content, as happens in real life, students experience a more engaging and relevant process of language acquisition. It should be noted, that there is no requirement of prior learning of the Punjabi language. Students in the Punjabi Language Immersion Program will remain in the same mentor class from their entrance into the program, until the completion of Year 9, thus allowing students to form and strengthen friendships with others in the class.

Benefits of the Program

Immersion programs have been widely implemented overseas and research has demonstrated that students exposed to this teaching approach:

• Are more stimulated and subsequently motivated.
• Have improved literacy skills and develop a range of learning and critical thinking skills
• Achieve higher results in a variety of subjects compared to those students who are exclusively taught in English.
• Develop a deeper intercultural understanding that enables them to appreciate community values so as to become better global citizens.
• When students learn a language through content, as happens in real life, they experience a more engaging and relevant process of language acquisition.

Students Suited to the Program

Students best suited for the Punjabi Language Immersion Program should display:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Curiosity and an eagerness to try new things
• A high degree of creativity
• Good problem-solving skills

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: TBC

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.

Contact Information