Furlong Park School for Deaf Children is changing students’ lives through Auslan, English curriculum

Furlong Park School for Deaf Children is breaking barriers for deaf and hard-of-hearing students by teaching them to communicate, not just with words, but with their hands.

When children enter the gates of Furlong Park School for Deaf Children for the first time at a young age, most of them communicate using gestures, pointing and vocalisation due to their hearing loss.

This was the case for 10-year-old school captain Lord, who was only able to make contact with people by pointing.

The senior school student recounted how she thought the Sunshine North school was a hospital when she first walked into the office at just four-years-old.

Little did she know it was home to many passionate educators who were about to change her life.

The Sunday Herald Sun visited the Furlong Rd campus which was buzzing with zealous students eager to learn, no matter the challenges that stood in their way.

Furlong Park School for Deaf Children also offers an Early Education Program. Picture: Mark Stewart

Inside the school’s newly renovated classrooms, primary-aged students watched inquisitively as their teachers – some of them alumni of the school – gave lessons in both English and Auslan.

Laughter echoed throughout the halls, as children spoke not just with words but also with their hands – their beaming smiles lighting up the room.

Meanwhile, in the nearby early education classroom, colourful paintings lined the walls while the outdoor section of the large, joyful learning space offered fun and adventure.

These classrooms were nestled among the school’s extensive grounds, which included bushland areas for children to explore.

While it looked like a regular kindergarten and school from the other side of the fence on Furlong Rd, Furlong Park School for Deaf Children was rather unique and special.

Principal Lee Bullock said the school offered a vibrant and inclusive environment for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students where every child was valued and supported.

“Our main goal is to empower, enrich, and educate every student, enabling them to access the world confidently and independently,” she said.

Principal Lee Bullock communicating in Auslan with students Krystal, Xavier, Betselot and Izayah. Picture: Mark Stewart

There are 21 children enrolled in the three and four-year-old Early Education Program, while 40 students attend the primary school – which are both located at the one campus.

The school recently received $10m from the Victorian government to undergo an upgrade, with the larger classrooms now equipped with state-of-the-art amenities including sound field systems and an iPad program.

Ms Bullock said the school also provided individualised student learning plans that addressed cognitive, emotional, social, and educational growth.

“Our programs are designed to support language development, communication skills and overall wellbeing, ensuring each student can thrive both academically and personally,” she said.

In addition to learning literacy and numeracy through a challenging but accessible curriculum, students are also offered specialist classes in visual arts, physical education, gardening and digital technologies as well as a robust music program through Musica Viva.

Children also benefit from a speech pathologist and audiologist who visit them on campus as well as a breakfast program managed by Foodbank Victoria.

There are 21 children enrolled in the 3 and 4-year-old Early Education Program, while 40 students attend the primary school. Picture: Mark Stewart

But the most important element of the school was it’s incorporation of Auslan in all programs.

Ms Bullock said the language not only facilitates communication but “connects students to the rich culture and history of the Deaf Community”.

“Auslan supports language development, self-esteem, and identity, ensuring that students are well-prepared for lifelong communication and learning in Auslan,” she said.

Students are introduced to Auslan from three-years-old in the school’s Early Education Program, with it being the first language they learn for some pupils.

Ms Bullock said the early education program took a play-based approach that emphasised language and social skills development and was specifically designed for children with permanent, bilateral hearing loss.

“While it may look like a regular kindergarten, parents often notice how quiet the room is,” she said.

“This is because, like all our rooms, it is purpose-built for Deaf children, minimising unnecessary background noise to help them focus on activities involving English and Auslan from their teachers and peers.

“Visiting our early education program is always a joy; it’s my happy place. You can’t help but smile when you see the children learning and playing in this beautiful space.”

Students are introduced to Auslan from three-years-old in the school’s Early Education Program, with it being the first language they learn for some pupils. Picture: Mark Stewart

Early Education Program teacher Caya Finlay said seeing the students “light up” when they arrive at kinder and school and witnessing their growth was “incredibly rewarding”.

“Many of the students have faced challenges in understanding their world due to limited access to Auslan outside of school,” she said.

“Now they can both understand and be understood. They are overjoyed to be part of a community that values them as Deaf individuals and recognises the importance of accessible language.”

Some of the teachers at the school are also deaf, with some also being former students of Furlong Park. Picture: Mark Stewart

Learning Auslan and the support of her teachers has moulded senior student Lord into the spirited high-achiever she is today.

“(Furlong Park School for Deaf Children) is such a beautiful school that I learned a lot of things in,” she said.

“You have a lot of fun at playtime and you can make a lot of friends, (can do) a fun maths activity and they teach you how to write. That’s why I love this school.”

Fellow school captain 11-year-old Shalom also said the school brought him joy.

“What I love about Furlong Park is you have fun games and activities,” he said.

“They even teach you sign language which is very interesting because a long time ago, when I came here, I didn’t know sign language and I’m also Deaf but this school teaches sign language and I’m very grateful … it makes me feel joyful happiness.”

For more information on Furlong Park School for Deaf Children, visit the school’s website.

Originally published as Furlong Park School for Deaf Children is changing students’ lives through Auslan, English curriculum