1) Learning a language, particularly at a young age, enhances the broader educational values of raising cultural and social awareness, and of challenging stereotypes.

2) English and German have words in common because both are Germanic languages with a similar linguistic heritage. Which means that 'a native speaker' of English has some immediate access to spoken and written German, and from an early stage learners can engage with authentic texts. Modern German also borrows from modern English, for example, 'der Computer', as does English from German, for example, ‘kindergarten’. This not only helps young learners but also feeds their curiosity and enjoyment in making links between the two languages.

3) Learning a language develops awareness of the similarities and differences with English and how it works. Research shows that this improves literacy outcomes for all learners.

4) There are now many innovative, fun and interactive teaching materials for learners of German at primary level.

5) When it comes to future career paths, there is a great benefit for Australian students who learned German from an early age. Germany remains “the largest economy in Europe, the fourth-largest in the world and the world’s third-largest exporter.” There is striking evidence of this in our everyday life, e.g. in engineering, the car industry and other technologies that can be found in our homes.

6) German lends itself to cross-curricular links, especially CLIL and STEM, e.g. History, Music, Art, Geography and Science.

Reception - Year 2

1. Intelligence is increased

2. Fun

3. Increased creativity

4. Ability to communicate with people from other countries

5. Deeper understanding of other cultures

6. Improved first language skills

7. Increased career Options and opportunities

8. Better Concentration Skills

9. Better Decision making skills

10. Improved Memory

11. Increased attention span

12. Improved ability to multitask

13. Increased Perceptual Sensitivity

14. Better cognitive Abilities

15. Bigger Brain

16. Delayed onset of dementia

17. Boosts Confidence