Children at Leichhardt Public School are fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Community Language (Italian) program funded by the Commonwealth Government.

In these days of globalisation, increased ease of travel and advanced information and communication technologies, moving between countries, cultures and languages has become more commonplace.

High quality education in languages enables students to respond positively to the opportunities and challenges of our rapidly changing world.

Studying Italian provides opportunities for students at Leichhardt Public School to become more accepting of diversity, more respectful of others and more aware of their place in the international community.

Contemporary research and practice have established a clear link between the learning of a second language and improved literacy skills. Learning a language increases metalinguistic awareness and enhances cognitive development as it requires the student to focus on linguistic systems and patterns, so improving mental dexterity.

The rich Italian linguistic and cultural environment of Leichhardt and its surrounding suburbs provides an educational environment for learning Italian which is second to none, allowing children to engage fully in their language learning.

Italy and the Italian language play a significant role in global economic and cultural developments, while Australia and Italy have strongly developed cultural, industrial, trade and agricultural ties.

Studying Italian at Leichhardt Public School will provide our children with opportunities for improved literacy and interpersonal skills, for a future in an ever more globalised world.