Preps at Truganina South Primary School are learning a new language – without speaking a word.
With schools now required to teach a language other than English at least three hours a week, Truganina pupils have started learning Auslan, an Australian version of sign language.
Principal Mandy O’Mara says the move has already been embraced by pupils, parents and the broader school community.
“They’re starting off with the basic signs, like hello and goodbye,” she said. “The children have been really receptive.
“We have such a multicultural community and it was really difficult to choose any one particular language, so we selected Auslan.
“When we asked parents, their preference was Auslan and we’ve had some great feedback.”
Mrs O’Mara said pupils were being taught songs in Auslan, with the school eventually hoping to form a signing choir.
“Research has proven the earlier you start teaching children a language the more successful they are,” she said.
“Eventually, we hope we’ll be able to form partnerships with deaf schools.”
