Languages: Auslan at St Thomas

At our school, students learn Auslan, the sign language of the Australian Deaf community. Learning Auslan helps students communicate in different ways and builds understanding, respect, and inclusion.

Auslan is taught using clear and explicit instruction. Teachers introduce new signs step by step and model how they are used. Students practise together with the teacher and then use signs independently in simple conversations, songs, games, and classroom routines.

Learning is planned carefully so that students revisit and practise signs regularly. This helps students remember what they have learned and use Auslan with confidence. Lessons also connect to students’ everyday experiences, helping them understand when and why Auslan is used.

Through learning Auslan, students develop communication skills, empathy, and awareness of diversity. Auslan supports students to understand that people communicate in different ways and that all forms of communication are valued.

Learning Auslan is an important part of building an inclusive and respectful school community. 

Auslan is taught daily in 15 minute lessons by the classroom teacher. This is done in a Teacher as Co-Learner model (TCL) where the teacher is learning alongside of the students.