Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in curriculum goes beyond content. A powerful way of incorporating Indigenous perspectives is to consider working with frameworks that enable students to experience an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander way of doing things.
There are many frameworks in use across Australia and internationally. The frameworks here include whole-school approaches, as well as planning and teaching frameworks that can be used by teachers and students.
Share these with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in your area, see if there are other ways of working, and discuss their appropriateness for inclusion in classroom practice.
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures is one of the three specific priority areas of the Australian Curriculum.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has developed set of organising ideas that reflect the key knowledge, understandings and skills for this priority. These organising ideas are also embedded in the content descriptions of each learning area as appropriate.
The conceptual framework for this priority has been developed as a structural tool for embedding Indigenous perspectives in the national curriculum, is based on the unique sense of identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This sense of identity is approached through the interconnection of aspects of Country/place, people and culture.
Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Schools (EATSIPS): P-12 school guidelines for administrators and educators
Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Schools (EATSIPS) is Education Queensland's key document for guiding schools in way to embed Indigenous perspectives across the processes and practices of the school, in a holistic approach.
Regional EATSIPS officers are available to support schools in their implementation process. Contact your regional office for more information.
Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (2009) (Authority subject)
Authority subjects are based on syllabuses that have been approved an issued by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). They include a syllabus, subject guide, work programs, teaching and learning resources and assessment advice.
8ways: eight Aboriginal ways of learning
8ways is a protocol for working in particular contexts within Aboriginal communities. The site provides ideas and examples for using 8ways in a school and classroom context.
Yarning circles are a great tool for bringing authentic Indigenous ways of working into the classroom experience. There are many different ways of thinking about, talking about, and using yarning circles from across the country. Talk to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in your school and local area about these approaches and see what might be appropriate in your context. Some examples include: