Mini Spin Brings the Beat for Year 8 Auslan Students!

On Thursday, May 8, all of our Year 8 students from Balaklava High School headed to Adelaide for an unforgettable experience at the Mini Spin disco, part of the DreamBIG Festival. Held in a vibrant, inclusive setting, Mini Spin was led by Deaf presenters who brought energy, colour, and a strong sense of community to the dancefloor.

Students immersed themselves in the music and atmosphere, enjoying a unique event designed especially for young people by Deaf artists and performers. The disco wasn’t just about dancing—it was also an opportunity to witness how Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and visual communication can be celebrated and used in dynamic, real-world ways.

Throughout the event, students saw how visual elements such as lighting, movement, facial expressions and Auslan created an engaging and accessible environment for all. For many students, this was their first time interacting directly with the Deaf community in such a joyful context, leaving a lasting impression.

After the event, students reflected on the experience through a collaborative video task, sharing what they learned about Deaf culture, inclusive communication and the power of shared experiences. The excursion not only supported their learning in Auslan but also helped them develop empathy, confidence and a deeper understanding of diversity in communication.

We’d like to thank the team at DreamBIG and the amazing Deaf presenters for making the day such a memorable one. Mini Spin definitely lived up to its name—small in size but big in impact!

Adam Collins