Aboriginal Education

Aboriginal Studies seeks to explore the cultures, languages and lifestyles of Aboriginal peoples. It emphasises the understanding of issues central to Aboriginal societies and the relevance of these issues to the entire Australian community. It highlights aspects of Australia which all people in the community can learn from Aboriginal people.

For Aboriginal students it reaffirms identity, builds pride in cultural heritage and raises self esteem. For all students it provides an understanding of cultural heritage, and pride in a history of Australian civilisation since the beginning of the Dreaming. The course also assists in the eradication of racism and the development of a national identity.

The Aboriginal Studies Syllabus can be regarded as a general framework for teachers and schools wishing to develop a course/unit on Torres Strait Islander Studies. As students move through Aboriginal Studies K-12 they build from the local emphasis to the national and finally the international context.

A syllabus is a document that gives teachers an outline of what students are to be taught in a specific learning area.

The syllabus and other supporting material for Aboriginal Studies 7-10 is available from the Board of Studies.