Aboriginal perspectives
Aboriginal perspectives are incorporated into the HSIE syllabus to provide all students with the opportunity to learn about the Aboriginal history, society and cultures. The syllabus also references specific Aboriginal subject matter.
The term Aboriginal perspectives refers to Aboriginal points of view on particular issues and events. Where possible Aboriginal subject matter and perspectives should be explored in consultation with Aboriginal people. Refer to Working with Aboriginal Communities: A Guide to Community Consultation and Protocols (BOS 2001).
The syllabus recognises the importance of concepts that support reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, including the acknowledgement of Aboriginal people as the first Australians and Australia's shared history with Aboriginal people.
The incorporation of Aboriginal perspectives also makes the syllabus inclusive of Aboriginal students through a recognition of their identity, history and culture.
The HSIE syllabus supports the relevant recommendations from the Royal Commision into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, which says:
The curricula of schools at all levels should reflect that fact that Australia has an Aboriginal history and Aboriginal viewpoints on social, cultural and historical matters. It is essential that Aboriginal viewpoints, interests, perceptions and expectations are reflected in curricula, teaching and adminstration of schools.
Resources to support the inclusion of Aboriginal perspectives in HSIE
A shared history
Relevant stage(s): Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3. Provides background information for teachers and teaching ideas.
A Shared History, an Internet site designed to support the teaching of Aboriginal perspectives in the NSW Human Society and Its Environment K-6 syllabus.
The site contains:
A rationale for teaching Aboriginal perspectives.
A set of protocols and guidelines to assist in the implementation of the NSW Department of Education and Training's mandatory policies.
A series of teaching ideas for Stages 1 to 3.
A list of resources
A list of educationally relevant contacts
A list of links to Internet sites.
Caring for place, caring for country
Stage 1 resource
This is a NEW teaching resource about contemporary Aboriginal culture, heritage and connection with the land. Included in the teaching kit are 2 story books; Gami's Place and The river is big; a tape of the songs Old Man Windrayne and Gami's Place; and A pictorial study guide of NSW. Caring for place - caring for country focuses on the Change and Continuity, Culture and Environment strands.
This resource was distributed to schools in Term 4 2005.
Teachers book: Caring for place - Caring for country teachers book (pdf 2 305kb)
Download in sections: Section 1 (304kb), Section 2 (282kb), Section 3 (923kb), Section 4 (229kb), Section 5 (479kb), Section 6 (652kb).
It didn't always look like this
Stage 2 resource
This resource uses the Penrith lakes as a case study. The changes that have occurred at the Penrith lakes are investigated and are inclusive of the Aboriginal heritage and culture of the area. The case study can be used as a model for other sites. The resource focuses on the Change and Continuity and Environment strands.
The resouce kit sent to schools included the teachers book, a story Tessa's Treasure, and a set of pictorial broadsheets.
Teachers book: It didn't always look like this (pdf 600kb)
Talking Identity
Stage 2 resource
The Talking Identity teaching resource addresses some of the Aboriginal identity components of HSIE in Stage 2. These include: The land, the lore and the Dreaming, Community and community symbols, Family heritage, Belonging to country, Roles, rules and responsibilities, Identity, racism, prejudice and diveristy. Components of all HSIE content strands are addressed. Included in the resource sent to school in 2002 are the teachers book Talking Identity, a novel The fat and juicy place by Dianne Kidd, Rak Niwilli from the BOS Aboriginal Literacy Resource Kit 1995 and a tape of the song Rak Niwilli.
Teacher's book: Talking Identity (1.52kb)
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