At Wantirna Primary School, every student learns Auslan which is Australian Sign Language. Auslan is the native language of the Australian Deaf community, utilizing hand shapes, movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. It is a distinct language with its own grammar and syntax, strongly influenced by British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language. Learning Auslan enables students to be inclusive in the wider community, meaning from Foundation our students can interact with a diverse Australian community; including the Deaf community.
All students participate in Auslan lessons, which start small in Foundation, learning how to sign their name, greetings, and family members and builds through the year levels into conversation, storytelling, and an introduction to Deaf culture. Older students explore the history of Auslan in Australia, Deaf identity, and the role of interpreters in everyday life.
Why Auslan
Auslan is the recognised native language of Australia's Deaf community and one of the most widely-used community languages in the Australia. Choosing it as Wantirna's specialist language is deliberate, as it breaks down communication barriers, fosters inclusivity, and enables direct connection with the Deaf community.
Why it matters
By the time students leave Wantirna at the end of Year 6, every child can introduce themselves in Auslan, hold a basic signed conversation, and approach difference with curiosity rather than caution.