CHRISTIES BEACH PRIMARY SCHOOL, SA
SCHOOL:
Christies Beach Primary School is a Government R-7 school in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. In 2008, of its 494 students, 43 were Indigenous.
PROGRAMS:
A strong indication of parental and community satisfaction with Christies Beach Primary School has been the dramatic increase in Indigenous student enrolments - from three in 2004 to 43 in 2008. The school attributes this (at least in part) to reviewing curriculum content and methodology to ensure sensitive and inclusive teaching practices for all staff and students. For example, the staff have participated in whole school professional development with members of the local Aboriginal community. All students have increased their understanding and awareness through literacy and art projects. Indigenous students have designed their own calico bags and distributed information to all teachers containing community links, posters, DVDs, lesson plan ideas, black line masters, back issues of Koori Mail and Dare to Lead literature.
The school has actively engaged a number of local partners including Nunkawarrin Yunti, Aboriginal Youth Health, ATSI Southern Primary Health Team, Warrapiringa Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, Neperindi Centre, Southern Junction and Achieve SA.
OUTCOMES:
Comparison 2004 to 2008
| | 2004 | 2008
| Indigenous Students
| 3 | 43 | | Indigenous families | 2 | 17 | | Indigenous members of School Governing Council | 0 | 2
| Indigenous members of Student Council
| 0 | 4
| Community Involvement
| NO | YES
| | Indigenous perspectives in curriculum | NO | YES
| Data collection to support Indigenous students
| NO | YES
| Links with wider community
| NO | YES
|
COMMUNITY COMMENT:
"The school has a very holistic approach to culture within their educational curriculum incorporating many special events and excursions which we (parents) are always welcome to attend. I feel there is a whole school commitment to a better understanding and teaching of Indigenous studies at Christies Beach Primary School." - Patrick Duroux, parent
"I am really impressed with the school, staff and the curriculum, and knowing my child is getting some culture and Aboriginal studies at his school makes me happy. I feel it is very important for the Aboriginal students to hold onto our culture and keep it going and alive." - Annette Herbert, parent
MORE INFORMATION:
Pam Kent, Principal 08 8382 1511 or pam.kent@cbeachps.sa.edu.au
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