In NSW high schools, Languages is a Key Learning Area (KLA). Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10.
At Passfield Park School students' study Auslan Key Word Sign in Year 7.
Key Word Sign (KWS) language provides the opportunity for students to have access to education in and about language, playing an important part in the development of a strong sense of self-esteem and identity, and contributing in critical ways to overall learning and achievements. KWS enables students to develop a wider recognition and understanding of their language, culture and identity, thus contributing to their psychological wellbeing as well as academic development.
Key Word Sign is an AAC system based on a simplified form of AUSLAN. It is designed for people with disability or who have communication difficulties who can hear but cannot talk or speech is difficult to understand. Only the key words of a spoken sentence are signed. Key Word Sign is used internationally and uses the signs of the host country. Therefore, in Australia, we borrow signs from Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Key Word Sign is used to enhance a person’s expressive and receptive communication and understanding and promotes vocabulary development.
Studying Key Word Sign formally at school provides learners with powerful recognition of the value and status of language and helps strengthen their sense of identity. The impact of this is healthier self-esteem, greater resilience, better mental health, an improved concept of self and a greater engagement with language, community and culture. In addition, formal learning of Key Word Sign gives students increased opportunity to develop understanding, knowledge and valuable life skills across the curriculum and develop communication skills which will be used for life-long learning.