Magdalene Catholic College is proud to boast a multicultural student population, and we welcome families from many different backgrounds. The Diocese of Wollongong introduced a Language Background Survey as part of the Literacy Policy in 2019. This survey aims to understand how many students are lucky enough to speak, or understand, another language. 

Bilingualism has long been recognised as having many benefits for students, such as increased cognitive reflexes, greater global understanding of the world, and improved employment prospects. With this in mind, Magdalene will be rolling out the Language Background Survey to our Year 7 students as well as other students who have enrolled at the College this year. For Year 7, this survey will be completed as part of their laptop training programme. 

Any student with a language background other than English who requires additional literacy support will be identified through the process of phasing, involving samples of their writing being read against a set criteria to identify any specific areas needing improvement. 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Miss Stephanie Phillips at phillipss01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

Stephanie Phillips

Leader of Teaching and Learning