First Nations students
We value, welcome and include everyone equally.
We work in partnership with families, Elders, community and organisations to achieve equity and excellence in a culturally safe setting for every First Nations student.
We recognise the diversity between and within Nations and Cultures and that we are all learning from each other.
Growing every year
The numbers of First Nations students and staff in our schools and early learning centres (ELCs) continue to grow each year.
This year we have a total of 1,000 students between Kindergarten and Year 12 who have identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This is 4% of our total enrolments. Currently there is at least one First Nations student in every school.
Cultural Learning Pathways
In our schools every First Nations student from Year 1 to Year 10 is encouraged to have their own Cultural Learning Pathway (CLP). This is a plan that the student produces with support from their classroom teacher (in consultation with the Contact Teacher for Aboriginal Education). Examples of goals that the school may be able to help with include learning local languages, making artworks or learning traditional dances.
What’s in the CLP is up to the individual student. It reflects their own identity, where they are today and the journey they see for themselves as a First Nations Person.
- Contact Teachers
- Aboriginal Education Workers
- Aboriginal Education Team
- Indigenous Education Advisory Committee
Contact Teachers
Each of our schools has a Contact Teacher for Aboriginal Education, who either identifies as Aboriginal or is a strong ally with passion and interest.
Contact Teachers:
- support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their education and school life and in their identities as proud First Nations People
- help the school in integrating First Nations perspectives into the curriculum and teaching practices
- help school leaders decide the best ways they can use funding to directly support learning and wellbeing for the school’s First Nations students
- are a first contact for First Nations families for any questions or concerns.
Aboriginal Education Workers
Many of our NSW schools have Aboriginal Education Workers (AEWs) who are First Nations.
AEWs help the Contact Teacher and the school with Aboriginal education and cultural support for First Nations students.
Aboriginal Education Team
The Aboriginal Education Team helps our schools and ELCs to see education through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lens.
They help schools with:
- cultural awareness and responsiveness, community protocols (e.g. respect and consultation) and professional development
- programs and resources about First Nations cultures and histories across all learning areas
- practical strategies for culturally inclusive teaching.
They also:
- teach school classes with themes that align with a particular unit of work, or a session that focuses on First Nations Cultures
- help schools with their transition programs (e.g. supporting students at key points in their education, such as moving from ELC into Kindergarten)
- support schools with ways to engage community
- welcome contact from parents – to listen, yarn and offer ideas.
Indigenous Education Advisory Committee
The Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC) gives support and guidance to our schools. The IEAC also leads key events such as Corroboree Family Culture Day.
Parents can voice their concerns and ideas to the IEAC.
