Indigenous Education Strategy - Issue 15

As we get into Semester 2, 2017, it is great to see the positive impacts the Indigenous Education Strategy projects are having on our students, educators and school communities.

Stage 1 implementation of the strategy will be completed at the end of 2017. Consultations began in March this year in preparation for Stage 2 of the strategy and to inform priority actions for implementation during 2018-2020.

This issue of the Indigenous Education Strategy highlights some of the great things that are being achieved.

We are seeing positive outcomes through the Employment Pathways program with four schools teaching the new Recreational Boating course as a precursor to students undertaking VET qualifications in a Certificate II in Marine Operations from 2018.

In another example, more than 100 students from the Pastoral Futures program recently presented their cattle as part of the NT Show Circuit, with great success.

A trial of the Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum is successfully being implemented at   Jilkminggan School where it is assisting students to develop quality relationships, solve problems and improve behaviour.

As more than 40 per cent of students across the Northern Territory are Indigenous, language and culture is critical to education. As a result we are developing a new curriculum that strengthens Indigenous languages and culture, builds on our current programs and is available to all students.

We were also able to showcase the Indigenous Education Strategy projects as part of our Education stall at Garma 2017 in North East Arnhem Land. As always it was another great festival that brought together community, students, educators, Indigenous leaders, politicians, academics and business to discuss key issues including education. Local students participated in the Education Fair where they were taught the Yolngu cultural curriculum, alongside other NT and interstate students.

I want to thank you all for the effort you have made to drive and implement the key projects of the Indigenous Education Strategy. I look forward to continuing to work together to improve the learning opportunities, outcomes and futures of Territory students.

Tony Considine