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• Auslan - First Language Learner - F–10 Sequence: Levels 5 and 6 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 6, students use Auslan to interact with people for a range of different purposes. They use descriptive and expressive language to share and compare experiences, ideas and opinions, such as THEATRE GOOD, LONG -_really, LONG-_really. They participate in class discussions and show...

  Level description | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6

• Auslan - Second Language Learner - 7–10 Sequence: Levels 9 and 10 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 10, students interact with peers, teachers and others using Auslan to communicate about personal interests and broader issues relating to the Deaf community. They participate in class discussions, explaining and clarifying positions, asking follow-up questions, using non-manual...

  Level description | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10

• Auslan - Second Language Learner - 7–10 Sequence: Levels 7 and 8 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 8, students use Auslan to share information, experiences, interests, thoughts and feelings about their personal and immediate worlds. They use modelled constructions, ask for repetition or clarification, such as please slow sign, and use strategies such as fingerspelling to...

  Level description | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8

• VCASFC170

  Translate familiar texts from Auslan to English and vice versa, noticing which words or phrases require interpretation or explanation

  Elaborations

  • finding and using phrases that have direct translations between Auslan and English, for example, Goodnight, Happy birthday
  • shadowing a story in Auslan as a pre-interpreting skill, noticing which phrases and concepts need more unpacking
  • demonstrating the use of a bilingual online dictionary (Signbank), for example by looking up various meanings of the word run and comparing variation in signs for the concept in different contexts, and using it to translate Auslan texts into English and vice versa
  • using resources such as Signbank to identify words which might not have a direct sign equivalent, for example, jewellery, pets and other collective nouns
  • translating segments from popular children’s texts such as fairytales or short stories into Auslan, considering why some elements cannot be translated literally

  VCASFC170 | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Translating

• VCASFC022

  Collect, classify and paraphrase information from a variety of Auslan texts and sources used in school and in the Deaf community

  Elaborations

  • recalling specific points of information in signed classroom instructions or descriptions and responding to comprehension questions in Auslan
  • paraphrasing the content of selected community texts, such as public service or promotional announcements on the Deaf Emergency Info website
  • conducting an interview with a member of the Deaf community and reporting back to the class on key points
  • using factual questions to request information about planned events or activities, for example in relation to details such as place, time or cost
  • surveying peers about interests, preferences or routines, presenting findings in formats such as profiles, charts or graphs
  • locating, organising and presenting information from Auslan resources related to other learning areas, such as science materials or cooking demonstrations, for example, Sign & Cook for Kids (Auslan Storybooks)
  • learning new Auslan vocabulary and language structures through interacting with Deaf visitors and mentors, recording the new language in personal sign dictionaries

  VCASFC022 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Informing

• VCASFC080

  Translate Auslan and English texts composed for different audiences and contexts and consider the dynamic nature of translating and interpreting and the role of culture when transferring meaning from one language to another

  Elaborations

  • experimenting with literal Auslan translations of popular English idioms, noticing when this creates confusion (for example, raining cats and dogs) and discussing how to interpret such idioms accurately
  • comparing online Auslan and English public announcements and government policy/information texts in terms of different approaches to translation and preservation of content, for example, free versus literal
  • viewing and discussing the effectiveness and accuracy of online Auslan translations, such as the Catching Fire series of safety videos or the emergency disaster preparedness videos
  • trialling different resources to assist in translation, including online dictionaries and footage, for example by comparing individual translations, back-translating, and reviewing useful references
  • considering the nature of translation with reference to different strategies such as decoding literal meaning (word for sign), reading for meaning (sense for sense) and cultural reading (between the lines)
  • recognising the need to sometimes recast language and considering why one language may use more words/signs than another to communicate a particular meaning or concept, for example, in relation to the use of space and depicting signs in Auslan in describing a scene compared to the linear spoken modality of English
  • critically evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of English subtitles to an Auslan text, for example the range of community service Auslan messages produced by the Deaf Society of NSW
  • providing annotated examples of translations of poems or other types of text, identifying challenges involved in transferring meaning, expression, culture and mood from one language to another
  • comparing examples of BSL and Auslan literature and evaluating translations from both/each into English, for example of poems by Dorothy Miles or Walter Kadiki
  • translating suitable jokes, songs, poems, stories or plays from English into Auslan and vice versa
  • analysing existing translations of texts, such as short subtitled films or TV programs containing deaf characters using various sign languages, making comparisons with their own translations into Auslan or English and reflecting on identified variations
  • identifying the range of reference materials and resources available to assist in language documentation and translation tasks, for example ELAN, and exploring how to use them
  • researching aspects of available interpreting services in their area, for example, the role of interpreters, qualifications required, ethical considerations and issues associated with interpreting and translating in specialised contexts such as health, education, legal settings
  • exploring the role of deaf people as Deaf interpreters and as language consultants on interpreted theatre events, considering the work this involves and the skills needed for it
  • considering culturally appropriate and ethical behaviour when interpreting and translating, for example by explaining appropriate behaviour in interpreting contexts and considering potential consequences of inaccurate interpreting
  • analysing codes of ethics of interpreters, comparing existing codes in Australia, such as the ASLIA and AUSIT codes, and developing simple translations of the main principles of each code
  • role-playing the part of a Deaf interpreter for unfamiliar deaf guests who are non-conventional Auslan users or users of another signed language in a simple context such as an interaction in a library
  • comparing signed texts in International Sign with translated Auslan versions created by students, using H3 broadcasts as a resource
  • participating in formal situations where interpreters are working, discussing observed translation choices made

  VCASFC080 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCASFC203

  Contribute to presentations, reports, reviews, discussions and debates that focus on selected social and cultural issues

  Elaborations

  • working in groups to create multimedia texts that invite consideration of social or cultural questions, such as the medical versus cultural view of deafness
  • creating persuasive texts such as vlogs or advertisements to convince others of the value and relevance of learning Auslan
  • creating a video report of a significant event in Deaf history, such as the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to contribute to an e-book resource for other learners of Auslan
  • providing appropriate explanations for a younger audience of concepts associated with other curriculum areas, such as global warming or social justice
  • contributing to discussions that consider critically different perspectives on selected issues, for example, differences in views on Deaf education or the influence of social media on their lives
  • creating and presenting explanations about simple biological or mechanical phenomena or processes, such as how the ear, hearing aids and cochlear implants work
  • presenting a critical review of media representation, for example by analysing media profiles of respected/high-profile members of the Deaf community
  • presenting a summary of information on a selected topic, for example, by interpreting graphs and statistics relating to the Deaf community, discussing findings and making predictions about future changes or patterns

  VCASFC203 | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Informing

• VCASFC061

  Create imaginative and expressive texts that draw from their experience as Auslan users and members of the Deaf community and which support the experience of younger learners

  Elaborations

  • composing and performing soliloquies that capture elements of the Deaf experience in a hearing world
  • creating resources to support younger learners of Auslan, such as signed versions of games such as ‘Guess Who?’, riddles, treasure hunts or amusing tales
  • creating imaginative texts that present abstract ideas, such as hope, inclusion, friendship, in creative or amusing ways
  • creating an Auslan version of a popular song, using elements of all parameters to convey key messages and nuance emotional expression
  • creating a piece of art, such as a drawing, painting or photo collage, that reflects their experience of living in and moving between the Deaf and hearing worlds
  • engaging with the work of Deaf theatre groups such as the Australian Theatre of the Deaf, using elements of performances as models for their own experimentation with signed theatre
  • creating a performance for a school or Deaf festival based on the lives of celebrated or historical members of the Deaf community
  • presenting a short story based on their own experience of being a deaf student in a hearing school community, incorporating key elements of narrative structure, such as character introduction, problem/conflict, resolution
  • re-creating a theatre set from a two-dimensional image using signed space

  VCASFC061 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Creating

• VCASFC005

  Present information about self, family, people, places and things using signed descriptions and visual prompts

  Elaborations

  • describing an object, animal or person using lexical adjectives, for example colours, or SASS depicting signs relating to size and shape
  • contributing to a digital class presentation such as a video by signing a description of their own photo or piece of work
  • demonstrating a simple procedure using list buoys and related sign vocabulary to demonstrate the different steps
  • labelling objects in the classroom and in learning resources such as books and wall charts with pictures of signs
  • recounting to the class details of a personal experience such as a holiday or weekend event
  • reporting aspects of their daily routines or family life, such as how they travel to school or what they eat for lunch
  • categorising and displaying pictures of signs, for example on a handshape wall
  • presenting specific information such as a weather report using visual prompts or a digital presentation
  • sharing information about their family, home or local community with their classmates, for example, through signed commentary to a display or digital presentation
  • reporting key elements obtained from predominantly visual infographics or diagrams related to different learning areas, for example, life cycle charts
  • providing information needed to complete an information-gap activity, for example, ‘20 Questions’ with yes/no answers, or ‘Guess Who?’

  VCASFC005 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Informing

• VCASFC201

  Interact with peers and others in and out of the classroom through reflection, discussion and participation in shared experiences

  Elaborations

  • making connections between ideas, actions and effects, using reflective language such as:
    SOMETIMES POSSIBLE HAPPEN++ WHY I-F PRO2 PAST THINK-ABOUT WILL TRUE HAPPEN
    Sometimes things happen because you think they will, so it comes true.
    CAR CRASH BECAUSE TEXTING.
    The car crashed because he was texting.
    
  • extending their repertoire of sign vocabulary through independent use of social media and digital resources to support more extended discussion
  • demonstrating culturally appropriate behaviours such as nominating themselves as interpreters in role-play interactions between deaf and hearing friends
  • demonstrating culturally appropriate behaviours when engaging with unfamiliar members of the Deaf community, for example, waiting to be introduced to new people, knowing how to introduce themselves as L2 Auslan learners
  • identifying and comparing learning strategies that support their Auslan learning experience

  VCASFC201 | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCASFC056

  Engage in collaborative activities that involve planning, project design, problem-solving and evaluation of events or activities

  Elaborations

  • working with a partner to create a visual resource that promotes Auslan as an important subject choice
  • working in groups to create a series of promotional resources for the school website
  • organising and participating in visits by respected members of the Deaf community to their school to share knowledge and to promote Auslan skills in the wider community
  • planning presentations to showcase aspects of Deaf culture likely to be unfamiliar to the hearing community
  • reporting on and evaluating completed events or activities that they had planned together, for example:
    FIRST PRO1 DOUBT I-F WILL GO-WELL, HAVE-A-LOOK GO-ALONG GOOD
    At the start, I wasn’t sure it would work, but after a while I thought it went well.
    PRO1 WRONG NEVER AGAIN DO SAME
    I won’t do that ever again.
    
  • following sequenced directions that involve the use of practical information, for example:
    SEE DS:wavy-surface, KNOW WHERE SCRATCH? S-A-N-D POLISH MORE DS:thick-to-thin 2MM SMOOTH
    See where the surface is uneven? You sand that back 2 mm and it gets smooth.
    
  • working in pairs to create instructional or procedural texts that demonstrate and explain activities
  • planning and presenting a cultural item for a school open day, such as celebration through drama or visual story of an important member of the Deaf community
  • discussing in pairs possible design options for an item such as language flag, artefact or logo that incorporates elements of significance to the Deaf community, presenting reasons for specific design suggestions, then voting as a class on a preferred design

  VCASFC056 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCASFU089

  Investigate and compare the nature and status of Auslan and other signed languages, considering issues such as language and education policies, language rights, representation and processes of language preservation and language building

  Elaborations

  • identifying historical events, government policies and educational initiatives that have impacted on the status of Auslan and the identity of the Deaf community, such as ALLP, DDA, the mainstreaming of deaf students
  • researching the nature of International Sign, including its relationship to national signed languages and its use by deaf people
  • analysing subjective measures of language vitality, such as societal attitudes towards Auslan or the perceived strength of the language identity group, and identifying challenges facing Auslan in terms of societal attitudes, provision of resources, access, education systems and social networks
  • analysing the status and use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander signed languages and comparing these to Auslan
  • appreciating the impact of the use of Auslan in settings such as education, health care and different workplace settings in terms of the evolution of the language and specialised terminology
  • analysing representations of deaf people and sign language in the Australian media and wider community, making comparisons with representations of other languages and cultures
  • investigating how Auslan and Deaf culture are promoted in the wider community, for example, through the influence of organisations such as Deaf Australia, of high-profile individuals such as activists or actors and of events such as NWDP Deaf Festival, Australian Deaf Games or Deaf art exhibitions
  • considering how processes of language building and evolution may expand existing Auslan linguistic and cultural resources in the Australian community
  • investigating programs and initiatives that maintain and strengthen Auslan use, such as school language programs; bilingual education and research programs; recording, archiving and documentation of the language; and the establishment of websites and databases
  • appreciating the importance of documenting and promoting Auslan in raising community awareness of the richness and value of signed languages
  • recognising that Auslan requires maintenance, development and documentation, considering historical and contemporary circumstances which have either contributed to or impeded these processes, for example the use of technology such as ELAN for capturing and documenting the language
  • considering domains where Auslan may grow in the future, and contributing to localised Auslan signbanks on specific topics, for example, creating a bank/dictionary of signs used by deaf students and interpreters in Year 9 Science
  • researching the status and recognition of signed languages in other countries, for example, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, the Scandinavian nations, considering issues such as language rights, documentation and development efforts
  • discussing the concept of ‘language health’ and how it applies to Auslan, for example by designing a chart of relevant factors such as status (social, economic, historical), demography (number and distribution of users) and institutional support (media, government, education, religion, industry, culture)

  VCASFU089 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language awareness

• VCASFU215

  Investigate and compare the nature and status of Auslan and other signed languages, considering issues such as language and education policies, language rights, representation and processes of language preservation and language building

  Elaborations

  • identifying historical events, government policies and educational initiatives that have impacted on the status of Auslan and the identity of the Deaf community, such as ALLP, DDA, the mainstreaming of deaf students
  • researching the nature of International Sign, including its relationship to national signed languages and its use by deaf people
  • exploring how deaf people around the world build shared group identity, for example through gathering formally as national and international communities through activities such as Deaf film festivals, performing arts or sporting events such as Deaf Way, Australian Deaf Games, Deaflympics, and how these contribute to language building, language preservation and greater awareness of signed languages
  • analysing subjective measures of language vitality, such as societal attitudes towards Auslan or the perceived strength of the language identity group, and identifying challenges facing Auslan in terms of societal attitudes, provision of resources, access, education systems and social networks
  • analysing the status and use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander signed languages and comparing these to Auslan
  • appreciating the impact of the use of Auslan in settings such as education, health care and different workplace settings in terms of the evolution of the language and specialised terminology
  • analysing representations of deaf people and sign language in the Australian media and wider community, making comparisons with representations of other languages and cultures
  • exploring the role of the Deaf ecosystem in language and cultural maintenance
  • investigating how Auslan and Deaf culture are promoted in the wider community, for example, through the influence of organisations such as Deaf Australia, of high-profile individuals such as activists or actors and of events such as NWDP Deaf Festival, Australian Deaf Games or Deaf art exhibitions
  • considering how processes of language building and evolution may expand existing Auslan linguistic and cultural resources in the Australian community
  • investigating programs and initiatives that maintain and strengthen Auslan use, such as school language programs; bilingual education and research programs; recording, archiving and documentation of the language; and the establishment of websites and databases
  • appreciating the importance of documenting and promoting Auslan in raising community awareness of the richness and value of signed languages
  • recognising that Auslan requires maintenance, development and documentation, considering historical and contemporary circumstances which have either contributed to or impeded these processes, for example the use of technology such as ELAN for capturing and documenting the language
  • considering domains where Auslan may grow in the future, and contributing to localised Auslan signbanks on specific topics, for example, creating a bank/dictionary of signs used by deaf students and interpreters in Year 9 Science
  • researching the status and recognition of signed languages in other countries, for example, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, the Scandinavian nations, considering issues such as language rights, documentation and development efforts
  • identifying the changing status of sites of significance in different international Deaf communities, for example, the loss of Deaf clubs or closure of deaf schools in some countries, comparing this to the Australian context, and reflecting on the implications of these changes over time for the Deaf community and for the status of Auslan
  • recognising different philosophical and social views about deafness, considering the impact of varying attitudes on a deaf person’s understanding of their rights and how they are represented and perceived in wider society
  • explaining the influence of other signed languages such as BSL, ISL and ASL on Auslan over different periods of time and in different domains of language use, and discussing reasons for such influence
  • looking at style shifts in domains where English is in closer contact with Auslan, such as the use of more English-like structures in educational settings
  • discussing the concept of ‘language health’ and how it applies to Auslan, for example by designing a chart of relevant factors such as status (social, economic, historical), demography (number and distribution of users) and institutional support (media, government, education, religion, industry, culture)

  VCASFU215 | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language awareness

• VCASFC206

  Consider the dynamic nature of translating and interpreting and the role of culture when transferring meaning from one language to another

  Elaborations

  • experimenting with literal Auslan translations of popular English idioms, noticing when this creates confusion (for example, ‘raining cats and dogs’) and recognising the nature and function of cultural elements of communication and their impact on language use
  • comparing different translations of online Auslan and English public announcements or government policy/information texts in terms of approaches to translation, for example, free versus literal translation
  • using different resources, including online dictionaries and footage, to assist in translation, for example by comparing individual translations, back-translations and reviewing useful references
  • viewing and discussing the quality of online Auslan translations, such as the Catching Fire series of safety videos
  • recognising the need to sometimes recast language, and considering why one language may use more words/signs than another to communicate a particular meaning or concept, for example, Auslan uses spatial concepts or depicting signs to describe the scene of a car crash, which will take longer to explicate in a linear spoken language
  • translating small chunks of unfamiliar English text such as a news update from an autocue or poster card into Auslan in consecutive mode
  • providing annotated examples of translations of poems or other text types, identifying challenges involved in transferring meaning, expression, culture or mood
  • translating songs, poems or short stories from English into Auslan, for example, ‘I Am Australian’
  • exploring the role and function of Deaf interpreters and differences between Deaf interpreters and Auslan–English interpreters
  • researching aspects of available interpreting services in the area, for example, qualifications required for employment, ethical considerations, and issues of interpreting and translating in specialised contexts such as health, education, legal settings
  • developing guidelines on culturally appropriate and ethical behaviour when interpreting and translating, for example explaining ways people should act in interpreting contexts, considering potential consequences of inaccurate interpreting
  • role-playing interpreting in a range of contexts, for example, in a shop or at a sports match
  • participating in an excursion to an interpreted theatre event, with prior knowledge of the text/story and attending to the interpretation for discussion later in class

  VCASFC206 | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCASFC062

  Translate and interpret unfamiliar texts in Auslan or English and compare their translation to those of their classmates, considering why there might be differences in interpretation and how language reflects elements of culture and experience

  Elaborations

  • identifying Auslan phrases and expressions encountered in unfamiliar texts that do not translate literally into English, comparing their interpretation with those of their classmates
  • considering possible consequences of lack of equivalence between Auslan and English words and phrases in terms of intercultural communication, providing examples from their own experience
  • analysing an Auslan version of a frozen text such as the Australian National Anthem, considering why some words or expressions require freer translation than others
  • developing in consultation with deaf Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and elders an Acknowledgement of Country in Auslan that is appropriate to their school location for use in gatherings, events and school assemblies
  • paraphrasing and summarising short Auslan texts containing unfamiliar content, providing simple translations in written English
  • translating simple filmed texts in Auslan into transcribed written English captions
  • shadowing quality signed texts in Auslan as a pre-interpreting skill and as a means to enhance presenting skills and confidence as a subset of interpreting skills
  • comparing translations in Auslan, BSL and International Sign of stories such as ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ to Auslan versions of the same stories, discussing differences in vocabulary and approaches to translation on a free to literal continuum
  • comparing their own translations of short set texts in Auslan or English with those of their classmates, noting variations and discussing possible reasons for these
  • observing and interacting with deaf guests to the classroom who use different signed languages, such as ASL or a traditional signed language used by deaf Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, identifying any differences between languages and acting as interpreter with support
  • evaluating different interpretations of selected texts, using translation resources such as Mac software, digital dictionaries and online materials, considering questions such as Does this represent the exact meaning? What other ways could this be interpreted or translated?
  • explaining the role of accredited Auslan–English interpreters and that of Deaf interpreters in the Deaf community, demonstrating through role-play correct protocols for working with interpreters
  • exploring metaphors used in Deaf art and discussing whether these translate well to the hearing world
  • role-playing basic sight translation techniques with simple, school-specific or everyday texts, using an autocue or text and signing the translation to camera
  • developing a written English glossary of terminology in relation to sign language translation and interpreting

  VCASFC062 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Translating

• VCASFC037

  Interact with people for different purposes, using descriptive and expressive language to give opinions, talk about themselves and show interest in others

  Elaborations

  • comparing personal experiences and opinions and expressing agreement or disagreement in a respectful manner, for example:
    AGREE YES or PRO1 AGREE
    Yes, I agree.
    PRO1 KNOW WHAT MEAN, BUT…
    I know what you mean, but …
    DOUBT
    I’m not sure
    AGREE-NOT
    I don’t agree …
    
  • using NMFs and eye gaze to gain, hold or finish a turn when communicating in pairs or groups
  • discussing school experiences or events, for example:
    THEATRE GOOD, LONG-_really
    I liked the theatre performance but it was soo long.
    SCHOOL SWIMMING RACE, GOOD BAD, PRO2 THINK WHAT?
    What did you think about the swimming carnival?
    
  • using interactional strategies such as paraphrasing, questioning and interpreting non-verbal cues when communicating with their peers or teacher
  • participating in online exchanges such as vlogs with deaf Auslan users in other contexts to discuss topics of shared interest, such as peer pressure or family expectations
  • exchanging views with their peers to identify values that they hold as important, for example, caring for the environment or providing support resources for the deaf community such as subtitles on TV/movies

  VCASFC037 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCASFC118

  Identify and analyse ways in which deaf people behave and relate within society as a distinct social group as ‘people of the eye’, demonstrate responsibility for connections between the Deaf community and the wider ‘hearing’ society, and for culturally rich and appropriate places and spaces

  Elaborations

  • using a vlog journal entry to discuss how having peers who share the same language provides a social bond and builds confidence
  • identifying characteristics of deaf people’s visual awareness, such as good observation of body language and heightened alertness to hazards in the environment while walking/driving and signing
  • comparing strategies used by deaf and hearing adults to negotiate physical environments, for example, different behaviours at a bank of lifts, identifying how deaf people draw on additional perceptual resources in ways hearing people are unaware of
  • exploring technologies used by deaf people to communicate visually, such as videoconferencing apps, to support social networks and to strengthen a sense of individual or shared identity
  • investigating ways in which a sense of confidence in relation to identity influences awareness and a capacity for advocacy for Deaf rights, for example in relation to issues such as the provision of interpreters or captioning
  • discussing how their sense of identity may shift according to context and situation, and how as people mature they learn to manage ‘multiple identities’ in relation to different elements of experience, such as background ethnicity and culture and Deaf identity culture
  • identifying strategies used by deaf people to negotiate the hearing world, such as travelling with paper and pen or smart phone to take notes
  • using the concept of Deafhood to map and communicate their own journeys of identity development, for example, their identification with particular Deaf role models, and considering the role identity plays in contributing to individual, peer group and community health and wellbeing
  • engaging with deaf visitors from different groups and backgrounds about their experiences in the Deaf community, for example by interviewing the visitors and recording their responses
  • using drawings, photos or presentations to describe characteristic features of Deaf spaces beyond the classroom, such as removal of visual obstacles to signed communication, circles or semicircles for meeting and learning spaces, open-plan areas, lighting and window placement to maximise visual access to information
  • documenting and discussing places of importance to the Deaf community, such as Deaf schools, and understanding the value of these based on stories by elders and excursions to sites of significance
  • responding to elders' guidance on how cultural values, beliefs and traditions are connected through shared life experience and visual ways of being, and how they are demonstrated in community behaviour and interactions with the wider community
  • describing ways in which they can take responsibility for increasing others’ awareness of their communication and learning preferences, for example in the classroom and with extended family
  • exploring the concept of ‘Deaf gain’ and identifying examples of how wider society may ‘gain’ from the Deaf community, for example, benefits of captioning for other sectors of the broader community, such as elderly people or newly arrived migrants
  • discussing their sense of responsibility for each other as members of the Deaf community, and the need to support younger deaf individuals in the community

  VCASFC118 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Identity

• VCASFC182

  Engage in different processes of collaborative learning, including planning, problem-solving, task completion and evaluation

  Elaborations

  • working in pairs or small groups to design and create visual resources that promote Auslan as an important area of study
  • brainstorming, planning and working together to advertise and present an intercultural event for their year-level peers
  • working collaboratively to create instructional or procedural texts for younger learners
  • preparing for the visit of a member of the Deaf community, discussing how to ensure effective communication between the visitor and deaf and hearing members of the class
  • providing feedback on completed events or activities, exchanging reflections such as:
    FIRST PRO1 DOUBT I-F WILL GO-WELL, HAVE-A-LOOK GO-ALONG GOOD
    At the start, I wasn’t sure it would work, but after a while I thought it went well.
    PRO1 WRONG NEVER AGAIN DO SAME
    I won’t do that ever again.
    
  • problem-solving around collaborative activities such as website design, science experiments or model-building, using wh- questions such as:
    WHY FAIL WHY?
    Why isn’t it working?
    WHO THINK CAN FIX?
    Who thinks they can fix it?
    FINISH, NEXT WHAT?
    What do we do next after we finish this?
    
  • giving directions for outdoor activities such as an obstacle course or bushwalk, including expressions such as:
    HAVE DS:round-oval FIRST RUN DS:draw-line THEN STOP. NEXT CLIMB DS:climb-over DS:land-on-feet THEN CRAWL DS:crawl-under-flat-thing
    There’s a big oval. First you will run along one side of it. Then stop at the wall. Next you will climb over the wall then crawl under the net.
    

  VCASFC182 | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCASFU251

  Understand the range of factors that influence the profile, diversity and distribution of Auslan use in the wider Australian society, and consider the concept of Auslan vitality in comparison with other spoken and signed languages used around the world

  Elaborations

  • understanding that strong and healthy languages are those used by many people across generations in most domains to communicate about most topics
  • mapping the distribution of Auslan users across Australian states and demographics, using data from censuses and other sources to present findings in graph/visual representation forms
  • describing the role religion has played in influencing the usage and spread of Auslan, for example, through religious orders, early Deaf Societies and Bible translation projects
  • considering the impact of historical international events such as the Milan Congress (1880) and the linguistic recognition and documentation of signed languages in the1960s and 1970s on the use of signed languages in education, and on deaf people’s feelings of ownership and pride in their languages
  • analysing the impact of migration and the settlement of deaf people from the UK and other countries on the development of Auslan
  • investigating the geographical location, origins and history of deaf schools in Australia and the impact of these institutions on the transmission, use and status of Auslan
  • exploring how Auslan is used by deafblind people and their role in the Deaf community
  • investigating historical patterns of employment of deaf people in certain trades and fields of employment, and the impact these traditional domains have on the development of Auslan
  • reflecting on the role of Auslan interpreters in raising awareness and understanding of Auslan in the wider community, and considering ways in which they influence the function and nature of Auslan, for example by the introduction of neologisms
  • identifying language documentation as an important way of recording, transmitting and maintaining the vitality of languages
  • recognising that some languages have no written form and have historically been passed on face to face/orally, and so are less well recorded and documented
  • understanding that some languages used in Australia, such as English, have large numbers of users, while others, such as many spoken and signed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, are endangered or in the process of being revived or reclaimed
  • recognising that languages may be perceived as ‘weak’ or ‘strong’ based on community values and the existence of documentation and literature in the language
  • exploring the vitality of different languages by obtaining information from the UNESCO interactive online atlas and/or Ethnologue to compare numbers of speakers/signers of different languages
  • considering ways that Auslan is evolving due to various influences, including the capacity for new technologies to store, record and share sign languages internationally
  • exploring the role of globalisation in terms of what technology offers signed languages in terms of maintaining their vitality, for example, the use of ELAN for capturing and documenting Auslan
  • understanding the importance of advocating for Deaf rights to address existing gaps in services, for example in relation to issues such as the increased provision of Auslan interpreters, Deaf interpreters or captioning
  • responding to Deaf elders' guidance on how cultural values, beliefs and traditions are connected through shared life experience, language and visual ways of being, and how they are demonstrated in community behaviour and interactions with the wider community
  • comparing strategies used by deaf and hearing adults to negotiate physical environments, for example, different behaviours at a bank of lifts, and identifying how deaf people draw on additional perceptual resources in ways hearing people are unaware of
  • exploring technologies such as videoconferencing apps used by deaf people to communicate visually, to support social networks, to strengthen a sense of individual or shared identity as sign language users and to promote language vitality
  • considering likely contemporary influences or pressures on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander signed languages and the possible impact on their future
  • understanding how and why some deaf children face challenges with communication in hearing families or in social settings
  • recognising the important role of deaf families and deaf schools in preserving and maintaining Auslan and cultural identity
  • identifying behaviours, rights, roles and responsibilities in relation to the ownership and maintenance of Auslan and how such ownership rests with the Deaf community and is determined by traditional social groupings/families, significant places, history and stories
  • describing the visibility and use of Auslan in the wider community, for example in television programs, on the news, at community events, sporting fixtures and in emergency announcements
  • discussing the diversity of Auslan users in the Australian community, including people who are deaf, those who are hard of hearing and hearing people such as CODAs and interpreters
  • identifying examples of deaf people who have been recognised for different reasons in wider Australian society, for example, Alastair McEwin or Drisana Levitzke-Gray, and discussing how such recognition contributes to broader awareness of Auslan in Australia
  • researching the status and recognition of signed languages in other countries, for example, New Zealand, the USA, the UK or the Scandinavian nations, considering issues such as language rights, language documentation and development efforts
  • identifying the changing status of significant sites in different international Deaf communities, for example, the loss of Deaf clubs or the closure of deaf schools in some countries, comparing this to the Australian context and reflecting on how such changes impact over time on Deaf communities and on Auslan
  • recognising different philosophical and social views about deafness, considering the impact of varying attitudes on a deaf person’s understanding of their rights and how they are represented and perceived in wider society

  VCASFU251 | Languages | Auslan | Second Language Learner | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language awareness

• VCASFC001

  Communicate with teacher, peers and familiar adults in guided and free interactions that develop social and communicative skills

  Elaborations

  • interacting with others using greetings according to relationship, context and time of day, for example: HELLO, HOW-ARE-YOU? SEE LATER, GOOD MORNING M-R-J-O-N-E-S
  • asking and answering questions about families, friends, pets, routines or pastimes, for example:
    PRO2 ARRIVE SCHOOL HOW? CAR TAXI WALK G:WELL?
    How do you get to school?
    WHAT POSS2 FAVOURITE SPORT WHAT?
    What’s your favourite sport?
    POSS1 BIRTHDAY WHEN D-E-C
    My birthday is in December.
    
  • using everyday social exchanges such as thanking, apologising, expressing wishes or congratulations, for example:
    THANK-YOU HELP-_me
    Thank you for helping me.
    SORRY A-C-C
    I’m sorry, it was an accident.
    GOOD-LUCK POSS2 RACE
    Good luck for your race.
    
  • introducing themselves or a friend to class visitors, for example:
    HELLO POSS1 NAME G-A-V-I-N SIGN-NAME:GAVIN
    Hi, my name’s Gavin and this is my sign name.
    
  • supporting interaction when socialising with their peers, for example by indicating agreement or disagreement through nodding or head shaking
  • recounting personal experiences using specific time markers such as BEFORE, AFTER, LONG-TIME-AGO, YESTERDAY
  • recounting experiences shared as a class, such as excursions or special visitors, using appropriate sequencing of information
  • describing family members, friends or teachers in terms of physical appearance and characteristics, for example:
    PRINCIPAL YOU-KNOW SHORT LONG-HAIR GLASSES?
    You know the principal? She’s short, has long hair and wears glasses.
    POSS1 BROTHER OLD++ TALL SKINNY
    My brother is older; he’s tall and skinny.
    
  • comparing likes, dislikes and preferences, for example:
    PRO1 LIKE APPLE PRO1 DON’T-LIKE ORANGE
    I like apples but I don’t like oranges.
    
  • exploring different ways of expressing emotion through the use of NMFs and lexical signs, for example:
    PRO3 TEASE-_me
    She teased me.
    NOW PRO1 HAPPY BEFORE PRO1 CRANKY
    I’m happy now but before I was cranky.
    
  • sharing their opinions about classmates or classroom resources using evaluative language and superlatives, for example:
    S-A-M RUN FAST C-H-R-I-S WOW FAST SPEED
    Sam runs fast but Chris runs the fastest.
    THAT BEST COMPUTER
    That’s the best computer.
    
  • sharing information about personal experiences or recent events, using time markers that incorporate numerals, such as THREE-DAYS-AGO, NEXT-WEEK, LAST YEAR, IN-TWO-DAYS
  • referring to family members’ and classmates’ names using fingerspelling or sign names as appropriate
  • describing class activities using plain or indicating verbs, modifying the indicating verbs some of the time, for example:
    THERE SIT BOOK READ, FINISH PUT++
    Over there we sit and read books, and when we’re finished we put them away.
    PENCIL PRO1 GIVE++
    I’ll give out the pencils.
    
  • conversing with friends using appropriate turn-taking strategies
  • asking and answering questions related to time, place, number, days of the week, months and seasons, for example:
    WHY SHOULD LOOK-_left LOOK-_right BEFORE ROAD CROSS
    Why do we need to look left and right before crossing the road?
    ONE WEEK DS:length HOW-MANY DAY?
    How many days in a week?
    
  • describing relationships between members of their family or between classmates, for example:
    PRO3 POSS1 COUSIN WE2 GOOD FRIEND.
    She’s my cousin; we’re good friends.
    POSS3 FATHER PUNISH PRO3
    Her father punished her.
    

  VCASFC001 | Languages | Auslan | First Language Learner | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Socialising