Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curricula Project: Phase 1 and 2

Project Details

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curricula Project aims to empower all teachers to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into their classroom practice. This conceptual framework is intended to provide a starting point to assist teachers to implement the Australian Curriculum. Bringing to life the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Cross-Curriculum Priority in the classroom.

About the Curricula Project

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curricula Project is an ongoing initiative that aims to promote the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in Australian classrooms across the country. All Australian students should have the opportunity to learn about the depth, wealth and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. Importantly, this Project is not about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Rather, it is about ensuring that all Australian students are given the opportunity to learn about the sophistication of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures that have thrived and cultivated the Australian landscape for more than 60,000 years. However, teachers should keep the following considerations in mind for any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in their class:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students have a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including whether they live on their Country or not.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students cannot be expected to be an expert in their own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture, let alone in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures generally.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students should be encouraged to participate as learners without the expectation that they will provide an example or personal perspective on the content.

For more information see the Curricula Project website.

Researchers

Professor Marcia Langton

Dr Kristen Smith

Tahlia Eastman

Rebecca Cullen

Melinda Sawyer

Duane Humacher

Anna Maddison

Funding

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (Phase 1)

The Dara Foundation (Phase 2)

Research Outputs

Resources in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures for teachers