Aboriginal Education

Providing an education and ensuring fairness for all students, our goal is to create inclusive and respectful communities.

Recognising Diverse Cultures and Knowledge

Acknowledging and valuing the various talents, experiences, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to education  is crucial for both educators and students to deeply understand and appreciate their cultures, languages, and traditions. This understanding is vital in achieving our mission and working towards a future of true reconciliation.

Promoting Two-Way Education

Culturally and contextually appropriate two-way education is highly regarded. This approach allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff to embrace their unique identities and become confident learners. By prioritising quality two-way education, we aim to foster engagement and success for the community, schools, and students.

Engagement with Aboriginal and Islander Languages and Cultures

In our schools, engaging with Aboriginal and Islander languages, cultures, and perspectives is a priority for all staff and students. We achieve this through various means:

• Incorporating Relevant Content: We include culturally fitting Aboriginal and Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives in our educational materials.

• Australian Curriculum: The Australian Curriculum offers opportunities for learners to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures across different subjects.
• South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE): SACE integrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, cultures, and perspectives into its subject outlines.
• Support for Two-Way Education: We support the implementation of culturally appropriate two-way education through programs like Indigenous enrichment programs, Indigenous Languages and Culture programs, bilingual education, and Aboriginal Ways of teaching and learning.

• Study of Indigenous Languages and Culture: Schools may choose to implement the NT Department of Education’s Indigenous Languages and Culture (ILC) Curriculum to enhance the learning of Indigenous languages and culture.

In Aboriginal Catholic Community Schools, we follow a bi-cultural education model that emphasises two-way teaching and learning. This approach:

• Acknowledges both home and school cultures
• Strengthens the teaching and learning bond between elders and younger community members
• Encourages community engagement
• Recognises the significance of Aboriginal languages and knowledge in the curriculum
• Studying Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Languages and Cultures

To support our Aboriginal students in embracing their unique identities and understanding their histories, traditions, and cultures, we endorse the study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and cultures programs.