Episode 4: Anthony Rowe - The Bilingual Blueprint - Around the School Table by Xuno Suite

Big Brain Channel

In this episode of Around the School Table, host Steve Davis speaks with Anthony Rowe, principal of Huntingdale Primary School in Melbourne — a pioneering bilingual school where students navigate their learning in both English and Japanese from their very first day. With half the curriculum delivered in Japanese, including subjects like mathematics—the school challenges traditional education models and is achieving remarkable academic outcomes. Rowe explains that far from being a barrier, bilingual education enhances student capability, building resilience and cognitive flexibility. Mathematics, often described as a language in itself, proved the ideal entry point for the school’s 50/50 bilingual programme. The results speak for themselves: Huntingdale’s mathematics outcomes significantly outperform similar schools across Victoria, a testament to both pedagogy and perseverance. Beyond the numbers, Huntingdale fosters cultural fluency and global citizenship. With students from over 40 cultural backgrounds, the school community embraces traditions such as the Japanese Undōkai sports day, classroom rituals like bowing, and artistic exploration of Japanese masters like Yayoi Kusama and Hokusai. These daily experiences cultivate curiosity, respect, and connection. The discussion also touches on the challenges of integrating students who join in later years without Japanese language foundations, and how the school’s robust support structures—including tailored learning plans and dedicated language support—help bridge the gap. Rowe reflects on leading a bilingual teaching team, the cultural nuances that shape collaboration, and the importance of aligning language programmes with local community needs and secondary pathways. For Huntingdale graduates, bilingualism isn’t just an academic asset—it’s a springboard to future studies, global careers, and enriched worldviews. This episode is a fascinating exploration of how language, culture, and education can combine to create more than just dual fluency—they can create confident, adaptable learners ready for a complex world.

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