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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

K–10Auslan K–10 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Early Stage 1

Role of language, culture and identity

Content is provided for:

  • Additional: students learning Auslan as an additional language
  • Prior learning/experience: students learning Auslan with knowledge and/or experience from in or outside the classroom
  • First: students learning Auslan as their first language.
Identity of the Deaf community
Additional
  • Recognise that there are different modalities for different languages

  • Identify that people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing may communicate visually and gesturally instead of with sounds and listening

First
  • Recognise that there are different modalities for different languages

  • Recognise the importance of eye gaze in visual–gestural languages to be able to see the signs and associated non-manual features

  • Identify when they use Auslan and English

Language and cultural awareness
Additional
  • Recognise that Auslan is a legitimate language, one of the signed languages in the world, and that there is no universal sign language

  • Observe how people use language in ways that reflect their culture

First
  • Recognise that in Australia there are many sign languages including Auslan and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Sign Languages

  • Recognise that different signs are used in Southern and Northern dialects of Auslan

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