The Mount Rogers Primary School in Canberra is making waves with its innovative approach to language education. By introducing Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as its second language, the school is fostering a more inclusive environment for its nine Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. This groundbreaking initiative has sparked curiosity and excitement among the entire student body, from preschool to year 6, who are now learning to sign.
What makes this program truly remarkable is the rapid progress students have made. Under the guidance of specialist Auslan teacher Simone Xirakis, the curriculum has evolved from teaching basic vocabulary to enabling full sentences and conversations. This transformation has not only enhanced the students' signing skills but has also led to an increase in the use of Auslan within the school community, including staff and parents.
The benefits of this program extend beyond language acquisition. Students are immersing themselves in Deaf culture, identity, and history, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Year 5 student Sophie, who wears a cochlear implant and is fluent in both Auslan and English, has embraced the opportunity to showcase her signing abilities in the playground and classroom, even earning As in the process.
The popularity of Auslan is not limited to the school's walls. It has officially joined the New South Wales syllabus and is being adopted by schools in other states. However, Sophie expresses a wish for more schools, particularly in Canberra, to embrace the language. She believes that widespread adoption would empower the Deaf community by providing a universal means of communication.
Celeste, another student, highlights the accessibility of Auslan within the Australian Deaf community, dispelling the notion that it requires international travel to learn and use. The language's visual nature has also proven appealing to students who might struggle with traditional academic subjects, offering them a sense of achievement and pride.
As the program continues to evolve, the school aims to inspire students to pursue further Auslan studies in the future. This initiative not only enriches the educational experience but also contributes to a more inclusive and culturally aware society, where the power of communication knows no barriers.
