NSW will introduce the Australian Sign Language (Auslan) syllabus into the state’s schools in 2023, along with updated languages syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 10.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the new syllabuses aimed to improve access to Auslan and increase the uptake in students learning languages.
“NSW offers one of the most comprehensive school languages curriculums in the world and I am committed to exploring how we can make that even better, including for students with disability,” the minister said. “Studying a language at school gives students the skills to participate in our linguistically dynamic world and improves broader communication and literacy skills.”
Classical and modern languages syllabuses have been redeveloped into frameworks that can cover all languages that will enable schools to teach more local community languages.
“We know that there is a high demand for community languages and the new frameworks will integrate school-developed language courses with a high-quality framework, creating a shared understanding about what students are expected to learn,” Ms Mitchell said.
Teachers will be provided with improved language-specific support materials to give students a more consistent experience when studying languages.
Teachers, parents, students and the community can share their feedback on the syllabuses until May 2, 2022. Go to: External link.