Kempsey High School - How did we do it?
Initiating a Science in Context program
Where to start? Ask the students!!
Arrange a meeting with Aboriginal students and ask them about their interests and what they want to learn about at school.
At Kempsey High, the AEA invited a cross-range of students in ability and area location (mountains, coast and town) to a meeting with some teachers.
(1) They were given a basic outline of the idea that new programs needed to be written to interest the students, especially Aboriginal students.
(2) Two sheets of butcher's paper were pinned to the wall and the students were asked to start suggesting things that they were interested in and what they would like to learn about!! Eventually the students were picking up the pens and writing their own ideas.
Culture |
Contemporary |
Comments |
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This gives the students ownership of the units. The coordination role of the trusted AEA meant that the students were willing to talk more freely. *The original terms traditional and modern were replaced by better terms based on the need for correct protocol in language... a huge learning curve as the project went on. |
Ask the Aboriginal Community!!
Further work was carried out with the Elders Council to create
a forum of community members and the parents of the Aboriginal students
were encouraged to attend.
(1) The aims of the program were outlined.
(2) Elders and parents were asked for input as to the main directions that
the Aboriginal community sees as important.
The main issues identified by the Dunghutti community were:
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A successful approach by Warren High was to invite the community to as BBQ by a written invitation and then back that up by the AEA ringing and confirming the attendance of parents |