INDIGENOUS EDUCATION
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following may contain images and voices of deceased persons.
Indigenous Education is designed to attain two goals. The first is to ensure Indigenous students at all levels are able to participate in education and achieve appropriate, positive outcomes at an individual level. This can best be seen in the intent of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy [2015].
The second is to develop programs that assist the wider community to increase their understanding of Indigenous culture and history. The aim is to remove prejudice or racial intolerance. Part of both goals is to ensure that Indigenous languages remain alive in Australia.
In working to achieve these goals, it is essential to have Indigenous input at all levels from development to presentation and support. All levels and groups encourage this.
The Indigenous Resources page provides support and additional resources. For more language information, go to the Indigenous Languages page.
This page looks at Indigenous education in all Australian states & Territories as well as some national information.
NATIONAL INFORMATION
GOVERNMENT
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Children and Schooling [Indigenous.gov.au]
‘A good education is essential for a good future and that starts with making sure children and young people go to school every day’. Includes recent stories of programs being carried out in individual settings. -
Closing the Gap [Department of Education, Australian Government]
‘The Plan provides an overview of the Commonwealth’s existing actions that contribute to Closing the Gap as well as new investment and areas of future work. It is a whole-of-government plan, developed across the Commonwealth, and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners, in particular the Coalition of Peaks’. -
Education [education.gov.au]
‘National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy; Announcements; Resources’. Department of Education [National]. -
Higher Education
Introduction, Latest News, Resources. ‘NIAA helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to undertake university studies through two programs : The Indigenous Student Success Program and the Away From Base Mixed-Mode Program’. -
Indigenous Education [Department of Education]
Overview, links, including one to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy. -
Payments and support for
Indigenous Australians - Higher Education
‘We have a range of payments and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians’. Check the individual items listed on this page for details. -
The Alice Springs [Mparntwe] Education Declaration
Department of Education, Australian Government. ‘The Alice Springs [Mparntwe] Education Declaration sets out a vision for a world class education system that encourages and supports every student to be the very best they can be, no matter where they live or what kind of learning challenges they may face’.
OTHER SOURCES
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher
Education
Department of Education, Australian Government. ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are supported in higher education with programs and funding to increase participation and help Close the Gap. Discover what programs and policies are in place, and how they are being implemented’. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Policy Timeline
‘National milestones in higher education; Australian government legislation, reports, policies; and international conventions. This section of the site will be checked and updated by June 30 of each year from 2014 to 2019’. University of Notre Dame, Australia. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs
‘Our work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities aims to keep children, families and communities engaged in learning by providing positive educational experiences, opportunities to grow life skills and access to role models. With a focus on working together with communities, schools and government, we strive to be culturally responsive, effective and holistic’. Four major programs are linked from this page. -
Aboriginal Art of Australia : Understanding Its History - ART ARK®
‘This article shares the history of Aboriginal Art in Australia and offers greater understanding and context when viewing Aboriginal artworks. It also offers a glimpse into a strong and ongoing culture which lies at the heart of each artwork. We hope you find it insightful’. Also check out the earlier Aboriginal Art Symbols entry below, which came from the same source. -
Aboriginal Art Symbols - ART ARK®
‘Symbols in Aboriginal Art. The presence of Australian Aboriginal Art can be found over 30 000 years ago. A very important aspect of this art is the use of symbols. The use of symbols is an alternate way to write down stories of cultural significance, teaching survival and use of the land. Symbols are used by Aboriginal people in their art to preserve their culture and tradition. They are also used to depict various stories and are still used today in contemporary Aboriginal Art. These ancient symbols can be seen in their rock paintings, cave paintings, body paint, ceremonial clothing, and sand painting’. -
A guide to Australia’s unis for
future First Nation Students
‘We’ve compiled an A-Z list of some universities across the country and what they can offer prospective First Nations students’. Compiled in 2019. -
An Historical Overview of Aboriginal Education Policies in the Australian Context
‘Highlighting aspects of these policy shifts that provide the context for a deeper understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education programs and policies that seek to enable Indigenous children and young people to gain access to educational opportunities offered to all students’. Download the document from the link provided. -
Aurora Education Foundation
‘The Aurora Education Foundation’s vision is to transform the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians through education’. -
Australian Indigenous Education Foundation
‘AIEF provides scholarships and support through its two core programs, the AIEF Scholarship Program and the AIEF Pathways Program’. -
Indigenous Reading Project
‘Indigenous Reading Project is an independent organisation established in 2012. We are a passionate team of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people working to bring about change in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids’. -
Universities Australia’s Indigenous Strategy 2022 - 2025
‘Universities Australia has launched its second whole-of-sector strategy to strengthen the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s universities in March 2022. Key focus areas of the strategy are included’. You can visit the UA Indigenous homepage and can also Download the Indigenous Strategy 2022 – 2025. -
University Indigenous Education Units
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium. Listed by states/territories.
AUST. CAPITAL TERRITORY
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Aboriginal Education Policy
Catholic Education Commission. Canberra/Goulburn. -
ANU
- Indigenous Student Support
‘The Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre [The Tjabal Centre] provides a meeting place and support base for the Indigenous students and staff at The Australian National University’. Details are provided for a range of support programs and activities.
EDUCATION DIRECTORATE
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Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Education
Overview of this area. Multiple sections and links to other material. Related material includes :
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Programs
Student Aspirations Program; Mura Awards; Years 5 and 6 Leadership Day; Broaden Your Horizons; Student Forum; and Koori Preschools in the ACT. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Report 2017-18
The latest of a series of reports beginning in 2010 [see the next link for these]. There are also links to Performance in Indigenous Education Reports from prior to this. These links can be found on this page. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Reports
Annual and Bi-Annual reports. 2001 to 2017-18. PDF or DOC formats. -
In action
Details of 8 different In Action programs linked to this area of education. -
Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Schools and Early Learning
‘Narragunnawali supports schools and early learning services to foster knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions’. -
Teaching and Learning Resources
Links to 8 resources for use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
NEW SOUTH WALES
NESA
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Aboriginal Educational Contexts
‘Teaching and learning resources for all Secondary KLAs, for the Primary curriculum and in literacy and numeracy’. -
Aboriginal
Studies - HSC [Stage 6]
Syllabus, Assessment and examination materials, Other support materials. - Mapping Aboriginal Perspectives and Cross-curriculum Content K-10
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Working with Aboriginal Communities
‘A Guide to Community Consultation and Protocols’. BOSTES. -
Year 7-10
Syllabuses
See both Aboriginal Languages and Aboriginal Studies. Syllabus, programming and assessment, Life Skills components.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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Aboriginal Education and Communities
Aboriginal education policy and key documents; Aboriginal Education in NSW public schools; Premier’s Priority; Aboriginal Languages and cultures; Kimberwalli; Contact AOPD; Connected Communities; Working in partnership with the NSW AECG Inc.; Aboriginal education and staff across the department; The Pathways for the Future Program; and the Nanga Mai Awards. -
Aboriginal Education
‘Defines the department's commitments in its schools. Developed in response to the Report of the Review of Aboriginal Education 2004, in collaboration with Aboriginal communities and key partners’. Includes Implementation and Related documents. Last update in August 2022. -
Aboriginal Education
in NSW Public Schools
‘Strategies to achieve outcomes for Aboriginal students P-12 and increase knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal histories and culture’. See On this Page section for individual aspects, while there are also several sections on specific aspects listed below this. -
Aboriginal education policy and key
documents
‘The NSW Department of Education has a range of policies and key documents supporting the improved educational outcomes of Aboriginal students in NSW public schools’. Details of many of these are provided on or via this page. -
Aboriginal Resources
Henry Parkes Equity Resource Centre. ‘To search the online catalogue, enter a search term in the search box above. This may be the word in a title, author, subject. To search, borrow resources, see your account details, login with your username and password’. Other resources include Samuel Wagan Watson [‘This sequence of videos is an interactive resource for Stage 4/5 English and or Stage 4/5 Aboriginal Studies. It assists students to develop knowledge and understanding about Indigenous cultures of Australia’] and NAISDA which ‘offers Indigenous dance programs and performances’. -
Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships -
Aboriginal Education Policy and Key Documents
‘Aboriginal Education Policy; Partnership Agreement with NSW AECG Inc.; National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy; Closing the Gap Strategy; 10 Year Plan Footsteps to the Future [pdf 151.94 KB]; Strong strides together [pdf 5.89 MB] [and also Strong strides summary discussion guide [pdf 1.67 MB]; and a link to the Footprints to the Future document. -
Effective strategies for supporting Aboriginal students
‘Successfully engaging with your school community is a key strategy for supporting Aboriginal students. Community engagement; Key resources; Reflective questions on effective strategies; and Reflective questions on community engagement’. -
State Plan and
Premier’s Priorities [Aboriginal Education]
‘The State Plan and Premier Priorities for Aboriginal Education’.
OTHER SITES
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Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group NSW
‘Provides advice on all matters relevant to education and training with the mandate that this advice represents the Aboriginal community viewpoint’. -
Aboriginal Education Policy
Catholic Education Commission. Canberra/Goulburn. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
‘Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person looking for help with training ? We have a range of services and programs to help you’. -
Charles Sturt University Indigenous Support Units
Introduction, listing of support centres currently available. This is one part of their Indigenous Student Services that shows how ‘We’re focused on providing you with personal, cultural, financial and educational support. Our specialised programs for First Nations [Indigenous] Australian students will help you achieve your personal and professional goals in your community’. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support and safe spaces
‘If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, we offer a range of support services to help during your time at University. There are also supportive study environments where you can relax and access resources to help with your studies’. University of Sydney. Also the other link to the University of Sydney and its procedures in this area. -
Indigenous Education [UNSW Sydney]
‘A proactive community-based approach to Indigenous education’. A second entry point for UNSW in this area can be found at Indigenous Strategy, Education & Research. -
NAISDA Dance
College
‘Australia’s national tertiary Indigenous dance training organisation, … that provides ground-breaking delivery of a Career in Dance curriculum to diploma level’. -
National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
‘Hosts programs and facilities for young Indigenous people to help them achieve their dreams and aspirations in the areas of sport, art, education and culture. We are located on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation in Redfern, Sydney’. -
Our Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander community
University of Sydney. ‘Our Indigenous strategy outlines our commitment to creating higher education and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and valuing Indigenous culture’. -
TAFE
- Aboriginal Students
‘Be connected and join over 30,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at TAFE NSW. We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to enrol in TAFE NSW courses and we support all students to get the most out of education and training to help open up exciting employment opportunities. From music and film, to Aboriginal languages and cultures - our courses are taught in small, friendly groups with personalised support’. -
The Report of the Review of Aboriginal Education [VOCEDplus]
‘This report reviews the effectiveness of the provision of education and training for Aboriginal students in New South Wales. The review involved mapping current activity and working in partnership with Aboriginal communities to guide the development of a comprehensive state-wide approach to improving Aboriginal education’. Use the link provided to access the document in PDF format. -
Welcome to Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal Education
‘Catholic Schools New South Wales is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, teachers and principals to support students to thrive throughout school and life’. Further information available from the site. One example of their work can be found at this site, Support for Indigenous Students, from the Sydney Catholic Schools.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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Aboriginal Responsive Skilling
Grants
‘This page has information about Aboriginal Responsive Skilling Grants funding for regional and remote communities to train workers for projects in the community’. -
Engagement Programs
for Aboriginal Students
‘Aboriginal students can join programs at school that encourage them to attend regularly and complete Year 12. The programs do the following : support student engagement and achievement at school, promote healthy lifestyles, support student wellbeing and help students explore options for training and employment beyond school’. -
Increasing Indigenous Employment
‘To support this commitment and increase Indigenous employment, the department is implementing a special measures plan. Special measures give priority consideration to Indigenous people when applying for a position in the Department of Education. It also allows for certain categories of positions to be for Indigenous applicants’. -
Indigenous Education Strategy
The Northern Territory Government has endorsed a ten year strategy, A Share in the Future - Indigenous Education Strategy 2015-2024 in response to the recommendations from the Indigenous Education Review. -
Indigenous Languages
and Culture : Curriculum Resources
‘Indigenous language and culture resource for teachers’. A PDF document on this is available at Indigenous Languages and Culture. There is also a page on the same topic for those who have access to eLearn. -
Remote
Secondary School Choices
‘This page has information about secondary school options for students in remote Indigenous communities. When your child reaches Year 8 any of the listed options are available’. -
Study to become a Teacher
‘Go to the following websites for more information on study pathways and alternative scholarship options’.
OTHER SITES
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Aboriginal Education [Catholic Education Northern Territory]
Catholic Education Office. Covers - Bi-cultural education [two-way teaching & learning] and Study of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander languages & cultures. -
Batchelor Institute
‘Batchelor Institute is the only First Nations dual sector tertiary education provider in Australia. The Institute gives precedence to its philosophy of Both Ways : positioning First Nations peoples as knowledge holders in all educational transactions with Western knowledge systems as well as privileging First Nations ways of learning and teaching to underpin our engagement with mainstream education systems and society more broadly’. -
Larrakia
‘Providing and enhancing opportunities and pathways for Larrakia and other Indigenous people in the region in business development, training and employment and individual wealth creation’. You may also be interested in their new Larrakia Cultural Centre. -
Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Schools and Early Learning
‘The Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Education platform has the resources and tools for your school or early learning service to contribute to the reconciliation movement’.
QUEENSLAND
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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Deadly Kindies
‘Deadly Kindies is a collaboration between the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and the Queensland Government Department of Education and Training. The initiative is designed to highlight the importance of Kindergarten in early childhood education and encourage attendance’. -
Indigenous Education
‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from kindergarten to school leavers can benefit from education programs and services. They are designed to help communities work together to help Indigenous young people reach their education and career goals’. Sections cover :
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Early Childhood - Learning Support
Scroll down to details for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. ‘Early childhood programs are available to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. They include : Early Years Places and Programs for Indigenous Families. -
Education and Training
Areas covered include “Apprenticeships and traineeships; Financial help and scholarships; Study options and courses; Learning and leadership programs; Schools; and Cultural capability training” -
Every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Succeeding
‘The department has refreshed the Every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student succeeding strategy [PDF, 1.8MB]. The strategy sets the direction on how we will improve outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in state schools through 3 priorities - Connection to culture; High expectations; and Meaningful pathways’. - Financial help and Scholarships
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Study Options and Courses
Includes ‘Find a course; Pathways to further education; University : Domestic Students; About vocational education and training [VET]; Costs and financial help; Career options; Short courses; and Subsidised training programs’. -
School
‘Health and wellbeing; School information; Student support and services; Learning resources; Community involvement; Find a school; Financial support; Programs and initiatives; and Policies and procedures’.
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Indigenous Portal
‘Action Plans; Early Childhood; Schooling; Resources; and Latest news’. The Resources section includes Protocols; Schools and educators; Statistics; Artwork; Student location and contacts; Lambert McBride Perpetual Bursary; Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship; and more.
QCAA
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Aboriginal ! Torres Strait
Islander Languages 2019 v1.0 [Short Course Syllabus]
‘The Short Course senior syllabus for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages is one of four Short Courses offered in the senior phase of learning in Queensland’. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Perspectives
‘Strategies, resources, projects and initiatives that focus on increasing awareness’. Access Resources : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge here. -
Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Studies [Senior Studies]
‘View and download the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies General Senior Syllabus 2019 version 1.1’. - A Brochure for Parents of Indigenous Prep Children
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P–10 Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Languages Syllabus
‘Provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge of and communication skills in the target Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Language’.
OTHER SITES
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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
‘The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit [ATSISU] provides a focus for community outreach, student support, research and teaching and learning, including coordination of the Indigenous Studies Major’. University of Queensland. This part of the more detailed Indigenous Engagement presentation. -
CQUniversity Australia -
TEP
‘Enabling program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to assist them to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to undertake university study’. One example of someone who has used the program is provided as a video titled Tertiary Entry Program [there is also a transcript provided]. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Queensland Catholic Education Commission. Education Program Elements, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives, access an Education Action Plan. The site even provides useful links to further information. -
Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people [TAFE Queensland]
‘Unlock your potential at TAFE Queensland with courses and services specifically designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. With dedicated Indigenous student support, specialised ‘away from base’ residential block training,and our partnership in the RATEP, TAFE Queensland is well suited to help you reach your education goals’. -
Oodgeroo Unit
‘QUT ’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support centre committed to developing better access to university education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and promote higher levels of participation in tertiary education’.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
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Aboriginal Education
Aboriginal education, Aboriginal history and culture, Programs for Aboriginal students plus Enter for Success Strategy. ‘The Enter for Success strategy supports the inclusion, attendance, participation and retention of Aboriginal students at school’. -
Aboriginal Programs Assistance Scheme [APAS]
‘The Aboriginal Program Assistance Scheme provides funding to schools for the employment of tutors to work with identified Aboriginal students in literacy and numeracy. The school will notify parents and caregivers of their child’s involvement in the APAS program, and get a signed consent form giving permission for their child to be involved in the program. For more information, speak to your child’s school or contact Aboriginal Services’. -
Aboriginal School Special Learning Programs
‘There are special learning programs for students at Aboriginal schools in outback South Australia, regional centres and metropolitan Adelaide. Teaching programs take account of culture, social experience and learning experience. Aboriginal languages are spoken at most Aboriginal schools’. Covers Preschool, School, High School Programs plus contact details. -
Aboriginal
Strategy 2019-2029
‘This 10-year strategy is guided by the Department for Education’s vision and principles, viewed as essential for Aboriginal children and young people to achieve growth and success. The document will be a core policy and practice driver for the department, outlining the goals and objectives we are committed to delivering’. -
Programs and initiatives for Aboriginal
secondary school students
‘Moving to secondary [high] school; SACE and Aboriginal students; Aboriginal Program Assistance Scheme [APAS]; School to work transition; University and higher education [Support at TAFE, Support at University]; Related information and websites’. -
Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25
‘Our 2023 to 2025 Reconciliation Action Plan [RAP] will build on our previous RAP, bringing together the key initiatives the department will undertake to help build trust, effective relationships and a sense of belonging and identity for Aboriginal people. It will aim to foster and express respect for the role of Aboriginal traditional land owners and their cultures’. -
Shooting Stars program for Aboriginal girls and young women
‘The Shooting Stars program empowers Aboriginal girls and young women to achieve greater connection to their school and community, resulting in strong educational outcomes. This education engagement program supports Aboriginal girls in Years 3 to 10 in regional and remote communities’. -
South
Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy
‘About SAASTA; Key annual events; School-based academies; Specialist academies; and SAASTA Connect Program’. -
Strategic Plan Towards 2028
‘Our strategic plan outlines the work we have done, our current focus and the future steps as we build a world-class public education system in South Australia. The plan focuses on 6 key levers and outlines the reforms we will implement over the next 3 years to help us achieve growth for every child and student in every public preschool and school in South Australia’. Includes aspects of Aboriginal education. -
The Workabout Centre for Aboriginal students
‘The Workabout Centre offers a range of programs and services to support Aboriginal students to make a successful transition from school to work, higher education or further training’.
OTHER SITES
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Aboriginal Access Centre, TAFE SA
Aboriginal Access Centre, Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme, financial assistance, locations, contacts. -
Aboriginal Education
Includes the Aboriginal Education Strategy, Aboriginal perspectives in subjects, Stories of Success, poster, support materials, more. -
Aboriginal engagement
‘UniSA was the first university in South Australia to have a Reconciliation Action Plan [RAP], a guiding document to advance reconciliation across the organisation. Professor Irene Watson, the University’s inaugural Pro Vice Chancellor: Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy and David Unaipon Chair has led the development of our second RAP’. -
Aboriginal Studies
Syllabus from SACE. Details including support documents and materials. -
Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander Student Support [Catholic Education]
Indigenous Education Team, support they provide, programs in which they are involved.
TASMANIA
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
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Aboriginal Education Services
‘Information relating to Aboriginal Education Services to assist with enquiries about the services and programs we provide. About; The Orb; Our Programs; NAIDOC; Contacts’. Aboriginal Education Services Video Channel and email contact details. -
Aboriginal Resources
Use the TALIS Search to access these. Department of Education, Children and Young People. -
Parent fact Sheets - Aboriginal Education Services
The Department works in partnership with community and families to support all students, including Aboriginal students. -
Tasmania’s Aboriginal Education Framework
Download the document here. -
The Orb
‘The Orb celebrates Tasmanian Aboriginal people and the interconnections between Country, culture, identity and Community. The Orb features interviews with Tasmanian Aboriginal Community members. It provides teachers with Australian Curriculum aligned resources to assist the teaching of Tasmanian Aboriginal histories and cultures’.
OTHER SITES
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Aboriginal curriculum [University of Tasmania]
‘The strategic goal is that the University of Tasmania be known for its delivery of high-quality Indigenous curricula’. A second page entitled How Indigenous knowledge can be embedded into the curriculum is well worth reading. -
National
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy
You can access a copy by using this link. -
TasTAFE
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
VICTORIA
EDUCATION & TRAINING
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Aboriginal Best Start
‘Aboriginal Best Start projects have been established to make sure that local Aboriginal communities and organisations are given every possible opportunity to influence outcomes for their children and families. There are six Aboriginal Best Start project sites around Victoria’. You can also access further information about the Best Start Initiative here. -
Balert
Boorron
‘The Victorian Plan for Aboriginal Children and Young People [2010-2020] seeks to reflect the aspirations of Aboriginal young people’.
You now need to be able to log in to access this site. -
Career
Resource for Koorie Young People
Information, contact details. Linked information about Indigenous cross cultural training resources can be found listed on this page. -
Child Care and Kindergarten for Aboriginal children
‘ On this page : Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services; Aboriginal Child and Family Centres; Kindergarten programs; Koorie Engagement Support Officers; Koorie Preschool Assistants; and Contact us details. There are a number of child care and preschool services that have been established for Koorie children and families that are operated by and for the Aboriginal community’. -
Early childhood education
programs supporting Aboriginal children
Victorian Government. ‘On this page : Koorie Kids Shine; BALERT GERRBIK : Koorie Families as First Educators [KFFE]; Childcare and Kindergarten; Best Start; and Contact us’. -
Early childhood services - culturally safe environments for Aboriginal
children
‘Guidance on Child Safe Standard 1 : Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children are respected and valued’. -
Kindergarten for Aboriginal
children : Koorie Kids Shine
‘Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children can get up to 15 hours of free or low cost kindergarten each week. On this page : Benefits of kindergarten; Respecting cultural identity; Why kindergarten ?; What happens at kindergarten ?; Enrol your child in kindergarten; Stories of Koorie kids at kindergarten; and Koorie Kids Shine’. -
Koorie Education : Policy [education.vic.gov.au]
‘The purpose of this policy is to support schools in providing quality and meaningful education to Koorie students, where Koorie students engage fully in their schooling years and gain the knowledge and skills to excel at Year 12 or its equivalent’. -
Koorie Literacy and
Numeracy Programs
‘We fund two programs to assist Koorie students in Victorian government schools who are below benchmarks in literacy or numeracy’. - Koorie Teaching Resources
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Marrung
‘On this page : Our vision; Working in partnership with Koorie Victorians; Priority areas and actions; Governance; Alignment with other government initiatives; Self-determination in education reform; For educators; Marrung education scholarships; Secretary’s Marrung Awards; Promoting participation and engagement for Koorie learners in VET; and Contact Us information’. The Marrung, Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026 is available here [PDF format] and also in DOCX format from the above page. -
Marrung Education Scholarships
‘The awards recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with high potential to succeed in their chosen career paths. Selection is also based on academic results and involvement with the Koorie community’. -
Scholarships and
Financial Assistance for Koorie Young People
‘Hundreds of scholarships and other forms of financial assistance are offered specifically for Indigenous students across Australia’. -
Teaching Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander culture
‘Teachers must follow protocols for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. These are known as the Koorie Cross-Curricular Protocols. The protocols seek to protect the integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expressions in a way in which all Australians can engage respectfully and feel connected to this identity’.
OTHER SITES
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Bendigo TAFE Indigenous Education Training
‘The Indigenous Education Centres [IEC] at our Bendigo and Echuca campuses are innovative environments that foster and promote Indigenous learning, while supporting Indigenous students undertaking study and training in a wide array of courses across the institute’. -
Early Years Support - VACCA
‘VACCA’s early years support services aim to strengthen the environment around young Aboriginal children, including their families, communities and connections to culture, so that they grow up strong and proud’. -
Indigenous student services, Indigenous Strategy and Education, La Trobe University
‘Indigenous Student Services aim to ensure the delivery of the highest quality services to Indigenous Australians as prospective and current students as well as alumni. These services increase access, participation, retention and success for Indigenous Australians within the higher education sector’. -
VAEAI
‘Today VAEAI represents the Koorie Community in relation to education policy development and strategic programming at the local, state and national levels. We support the provision of education and training that reinforces our community’s cultural identity and increases awareness in the wider community of Koorie culture and aspirations in education and training. VAEAI is a state-wide Koorie Community organisation consisting of eight region’. The association works through units for Early Years, Schools, VET, Higher Education & Training and University [Toorong Marnong]. They also have the Wurreker Awards ‘to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations in the field of Koorie post-compulsory education & training’.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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Aboriginal Advisory Body
‘The Department is committed to building its cultural responsiveness; to work in ways that value the knowledge, expertise and perspectives of Aboriginal people and create opportunities to work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities to determine aspirations and opportunities for students’. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
‘The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures priority provides opportunities for all students to deepen their knowledge of Australia by engaging with the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. Through the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline, students will understand that contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are strong, resilient, rich and diverse’. -
Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework
‘The framework gives us a basis to reflect on our approaches to Aboriginal education, strive for improvement, and engage Aboriginal families and communities in schooling. It is about transforming our practices as we collectively move towards a more capable and responsive organisation. By using this framework, I believe we will have greater potential to be more responsive to the circumstances of Aboriginal students and improve their learning’. -
Aboriginal Languages - Department of Education
‘There are almost 10 000 students learning Aboriginal languages across 68 schools. Each of the 24 languages we teach is unique to Country. Languages connect people with Country, with each other and to ways of seeing and interpreting the world in the past, the present and the future. The 24 languages taught in our schools are’ listed on the site. -
Culturally Responsive Schools
‘We are committed to increasing our focus on creating culturally responsive environments and strengthening the cultural identity and wellbeing of Aboriginal students in our schools. Building on strength in uncertain times : In this together provides messages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, parents and community members about these challenging times. It models the importance of relationships to country, culture and family, and the significance of connection during times of uncertainty’ The video can be viewed from the above site, while there is also a Text Transcript available from the site. -
Focus 2023
Focus 2023 includes includes implementation of a range of Aboriginal education factors as well as other aspects. -
KindiLink
‘KindiLink is a play-and-learn initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are not old enough to enrol in school. KindiLink is provided in 38 public schools. Children attend with a parent/carer for six hours a week. KindiLink offers high quality play-and-learn sessions for children and their parent/carer at the participating schools, at no cost to families. Families are supported by a teacher and Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer to be actively involved in the activities with their children’. -
Multicultural Plan 2021-2025
‘While some of the elements of the Multicultural Plan 2021-2025 apply to Aboriginal people and people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, it is still essential there is a distinct and dedicated focus on Aboriginal people in the development and implementation of the Department’s policies, programs and service’. -
Online Aboriginal Education Course
‘The modules are designed to allow leaders in remote schools to source the material in their own time with access to collegial support and content experts where necessary. Each module consists of a wide range of advice and experiences taken from latest research and current and past leaders in Remote Community Schools and the Remote Teaching Service’. -
Policies, procedures, guidelines, and links to relevant legislation
A significant collation of documents for all these areas. -
Strategic Directions for Public Schools 2020–2024
Includes material relevant to Indigenous education as well as other aspects.
OTHER SITES
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Aboriginal Empowerment
Strategy - Western Australia 2021-2029
‘How the Western Australian Government will direct its efforts towards a future in which all Aboriginal people, families and communities are empowered to live good lives and choose their own futures from a secure foundation’. -
Aboriginal Independent Community Schools
‘The fourteen Aboriginal Independent Community Schools [AICS] of Western Australia provide tangible evidence of Indigenous Australians commitment towards quality education. They are located in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Murchison, Goldfields and Great Southern area. The schools are autonomous and do not operate as a system. They do, however, have many features in common and are involved in a range of cooperative initiatives’. -
Aboriginal/Indigenous Education - Education Support
Guides at WA State Training Providers. Central Regional TAFE Library Services. Includes ‘Library Resources, Weblinks and Weblinks - Education Strategies’. and more.You can also access the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Classroom video [4:44]. -
Centre for Aboriginal Studies - Curtin University
‘Creating a long-lasting impact and meaningful change for Aboriginal Australians through higher education and research’. Courses, Research, News and Events, Student support, Student Experiences, Scholarships, more. -
Future Footprints
‘The goal of Future Footprints is to support students’ engagement in education and to enhance students’ transition to and from school’. Part of the AIS site. -
Indigenous Portfolio : The University of Western Australia
‘The Indigenous Portfolio is the visible gateway into all areas of the University for the Indigenous community, both on and off campus, providing cultural affirmation and support to Indigenous staff and students across the University’. Multiple documents are available to download. -
My WA : Story books in Aboriginal English - Wiluna
‘My WA is a collaborative activity between the Department of Education and Celebrate WA. The project provides opportunities for all Western Australian public schools to promote a shared sense of Western Australian community and what it means to be a Western Australian. Story books in Aboriginal English provide teachers and students with a unique resource that recognises and values cultural diversity in Western Australia and uses languages of Aboriginal people’. [5:24]. Check the videos listed on the right hand edge. A few books are also included there.