Supporting HSC Attainment and Cultural Identity
Increasing the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining their HSC by 50%, while maintaining their cultural identity.
Across government, we are working to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and families as they navigate secondary school and the decisions required to ensure positive post-school outcomes. Together, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to attain their HSC while maintaining cultural identity.
Working towards Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students attaining their final school qualifications at the same rate as non-Aboriginal students is an important part of fostering equality of opportunity. Recent studies show a clear link between completing the HSC and positive future employment and higher educational outcomes.
Increasing the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining their Higher School Certificate (HSC) by 50% means that 1200 additional Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students will attain their HSC by 2023. To achieve this, it is imperative we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and accompany curriculum with language and culture to ensure young people maintain their cultural identity.
Increase the proportion of public school students in the top two NAPLAN bands (or equivalent) for literacy and numeracy by 15% by 2023, including through statewide rollout of Bump it up
We are committed to lifting literacy and numeracy standards across NSW public schools to ensure students are given every opportunity to be their best.
A focus on literacy and numeracy skills helps to unlock children’s academic potential at school, improving their overall academic outcomes and increasing the likelihood they will attain tertiary qualifications.
Initiatives to support HSC attainment and cultural identity
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Incorporated (NSW AECG Inc.) have developed and are implementing a cultural engagement and goal setting program, Pirru Thangkuray. The program is designed to increase the number of Aboriginal students completing their HSC, while maintaining their cultural identity.
To support schools in achieving this, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students studying in Years 8-12 across participating schools are eligible and invited to participate in the program.
The model has been developed using direct engagement with Aboriginal educators and Aboriginal community to encourage students to fulfil their goals and aspirations. Pirru Thangkuray provides support in sustaining educational outcomes for students through the delivery of Aboriginal perspectives and culturally appropriate content.
This program is designed to be engaging and fun, and supports Aboriginal and other school students to build their self-esteem, self-confidence, cultural identity, sense of wellbeing and to realise their academic potential. Coaches from the local community support students to set cultural and academic goals. Pirru Thangkuray provides support in sustaining educational outcomes for students through the delivery of Aboriginal perspectives and culturally appropriate content.
Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centres are being piloted in a number of secondary schools across NSW. A key focus of Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centres is to improve student engagement through the provision of wellbeing, academic and cultural support to increase outcomes for secondary Aboriginal students, with a focus to improve student engagement, attendance, retention, HSC attainment and support for students at key transitional points to reach their full potential.
For more info contact Schools and Transition Corro
The Aboriginal Education Policy commits to improve outcomes for Aboriginal students, and increase knowledge and understanding of the histories, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia. The NSW Department of Education is committed to strengthening the application of policy across all NSW public schools by delivering professional learning of Turning Policy into Action facilitated by Teaching Quality and Impact Directorate. This is further supported by the NSW AECG Inc., who deliver cultural immersion training to participating teachers and school staff to learn about local Aboriginal culture, history and social experience.
For more information, contact Teaching Quality and Impact: TeachingQualityandImpactCorrespondence@det.nsw.edu.au
The NSW Department of Education is committed to supporting schools to build the capability of staff to understand and develop teaching strategies for the cross-curriculum priority area: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. NSW Department of Education staff will engage with culturally specific content and resources to support their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal histories and cultures and apply strategies to confidently embed and teach Aboriginal perspectives in their classrooms.
For more info contact Teaching Quality Impact corro.teachingquality@det.nsw.edu.au
Gorokan High School is currently hosting a pilot program that has been co-designed with the NSW AECG Inc. and the NSW Department of Education to evaluate the implementation of a reconfigured curriculum supported by Dr Shayne Williams Cultural Education Framework. Recognition and incorporation of Aboriginal cultural values as the basis of the Year 7 and Year 8 curriculum, resulting in informed teaching outcomes.
For more info contact Schools and Transitions at schoolsandtransitionscorro@det.nsw.edu.au
Identified Wellbeing Community Connectors (located in Orange & Tamworth) are responsible for linking students and families with local services to implement a strong focus on re-engaging students to increase learning outcomes. This approach will result in increased student engagement and improved future HSC pathways. This pilot program connects Aboriginal students and their families with culturally appropriate services and ensures required service continuity is addressed to identify underlying issues that best support students. This initiative aims to build and maintain school, community and referral network relationships.
Visit NSW Aboriginal Lands Council website for more info.