09 Jun 2022
Our Year 12 Aboriginal Studies class has just completed, submitted and had marked their major projects. The major project is completed on a topic of the student’s own choice that is related to an aspect of the course, and negotiated with appropriate Aboriginal community members. It allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in planning, acquiring, processing and communicating information. They are also supported in applying Indigenous research methodologies and participating in community consultation and fieldwork to ensure that their projects centre Aboriginal perspectives.
Eva A. worked alongside Wiradjuri artist Darren Charlwood, a number of our Aboriginal students from GRC Oatley and GRC Hurstville and some of our Aboriginal studies students to create a mural at the front of the school. The mural represents our local geography (Bediagal land on this side of the Georges River and Dharawal to our south) and our school community (shown through the connected circles radiating from the school). Eva’s project exemplifies the major project process, demonstrating exception community consultation with Darren and fully embracing the protocols, research methods and perspectives we have discussed in class. Eva and I wanted to thank the following students for their engagement in the project; Kai D., Laisani Q., Jo N., Georgie L., Tiana M., Reeham D., Shawn K., Kye P., Siena B., Sharleas H., Shanaya T., Remedi M. Eluzhon H., Tara B., Calvin L. and Jessica V.
Laisani Q. consulted with Calita Murray from the Department’s Arncliffe office to create an Acknowledgement of Country, recorded to be shown at important school events and assemblies, and featuring our Aboriginal and Aboriginal Studies students. It's purpose is to not only acknowledge, but give thanks to the local Aboriginal people, the Bediagal people of the Eora Nation, for their custodianship of country.
Sophie P. interviewed Kylie Captain, a primary school teacher and leader of the Aboriginal Studies Association, and Leslie Woodhouse, the CEO of Wingaru Education, about women in Aboriginal education and the importance of learning about Aboriginal culture in schools. She presented her interview findings in a Prezi and has synthesised her research in order to share what she learned with our whole class.
Julia T. met with Tracey Cameron, a Gamilaraay person who works at the University of Sydney, to learn more about Aboriginal language and language revitalisation. She created a picture book called Evelyn and Stella which aimed to promote reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding.
Varitema R. conducted research into the local Aboriginal community and worked to create appropriate and innovative Acknowledgement of Country posters to be displayed across the college campuses.
We are incredibly proud of the efforts of our very first Aboriginal Studies class, and cannot wait to see what next year’s cohort produces too!
Stephanie Beck, Aboriginal Studies and History Teacher