If you do super scaled languages, is the bonus on only one?

[kenhung123]

I really think there should be a background speakers category like in the HSC for most LOTEs.

I think it is due to the number of people in that category that is the problem. E.g. some LOTEs don't even have a first/second language category. Also identification of whether they are background speakers or not would be a big problem.

[stonecold]

most lote's don't have first/second language.

i would love to see for experimental purposes, the scaling incentives removed from lote.
watch the class numbers drop tenfold...

[kenhung123]

Totally agree. But normally they say they do it for the interest though. (Not sure why German, Latin, Chinese, Japanese is still particularly popular lol)

[Gloamglozer]

I really think there should be a background speakers category like in the HSC for most LOTEs.

I think it is due to the number of people in that category that is the problem. E.g. some LOTEs don't even have a first/second language category. Also identification of whether they are background speakers or not would be a big problem.

For Chinese, I remember that upon enrolment, I had to fill out a form listing my educational history and that would "determine" whether or not I was a first/second language student.

I really would like this problem with LOTEs to be fixed with the introduction of the national curriculum.  If not, then that is one massive loophole for the nation, not to mention a massive pain in the backside.

[kenhung123]

But like what if your chinese and speak english at home?

[appianway]

Then I don't think you should have to do 'background' speakers.

Lots of LOTEs (such as French, Japanese and German in particular) have people who've completed a bilingual education (which has somehow been missed by VCAA) or exceptionally long exchanges. I don't think that's fair for everyone else.

[akira88]

But by saying it is fair might not be reasonable. How about those people who have done maths since they were young? Could that give them a better opportunity than those who hadn't? Or had more influence, in let's say, biology? This is all subjective and it would be difficult to make something entirely fair.

[appianway]

Hmm, but I think with a language experience shows to a greater degree, whereas it's not so obvious with maths/science because the knowledge in the course is what's tested, not the knowledge of the language as a whole.

[akira88]

True true.

Hmm, but I think with a language experience shows to a greater degree, whereas it's not so obvious with maths/science because the knowledge in the course is what's tested, not the knowledge of the language as a whole.

True true, I agree with that. Was just raising another point

[kyzoo]

But by saying it is fair might not be reasonable. How about those people who have done maths since they were young? Could that give them a better opportunity than those who hadn't? Or had more influence, in let's say, biology? This is all subjective and it would be difficult to make something entirely fair.

But you can't really equate maths to a language, because maths is universally partaken.

[akira88]

But by saying it is fair might not be reasonable. How about those people who have done maths since they were young? Could that give them a better opportunity than those who hadn't? Or had more influence, in let's say, biology? This is all subjective and it would be difficult to make something entirely fair.

But you can't really equate maths to a language, because maths is universally partaken by everyone.

Yeah that's correct But I guess nothing can ever be totally fair

[iffets12345]

I'd just like to say on the topic of Chinese, the system is terribly corrupt. Corrupt beyond any means, as one particular school just dominates all the time and has a large handful of assesors.  Even with second language, many children born here like me speak it and are semi-familiar already. Plus I believe it's hard for caucasians to learn, intonation, characters etc.

[Fyrefly]

Latin is Arts' answer to Specialist Maths.

[the.watchman]

Latin is Arts' answer to Specialist Maths.

AGREED, I loooove latin
It's the best subject, the scaling is just an extra 'bonus'

[Chavi]

I guess from the perspective of Non-native speakers taking up LOTE in VCE, the markup is well worth it, given the enormous work one puts into learning the language.
For example, Hebrew has a higher markup than Spec, but I work harder in Hebrew, so naturally the markup should be greater.