Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies

Most of us remember learning Australian history in school and how the voyage of Captain Cook began Australia's colonisation that became the foundation of our relatively short history. There is no doubt that the longest living culture was barely mentioned, and the wealth of Indigenous knowledge was essentially ignored in the Australian curriculum. During this era, racism was largely normalised and the abhorrent events of the past were brushed off as mistakes that were "acceptable in those days." The responsibility for healing a divided nation sat in the past, as Australia attempted to forge forward, mending relationships by offering financial support. It was clear that this approach lacked the much-needed understanding and respect for what are complex and dynamic cultural systems intricately woven around family, kinship, connection with the land and shared responsibility.

As Australian people are coming to terms with acknowledging the past is the responsibility of the present, society searches for ways to educate our community in an effort to deepen our understanding and appreciation of a rich and unique culture, whilst also learning how to empathise and share the pain of the past.

There is little doubt that education has to be the foundation for this change as it presents an opportunity to learn about culture and discuss and question what we believe to be true, in a safe and supportive environment. From this year onwards, Year 11 and 12 Scotch College and PLC students can learn the essential narrative of Australia's history through the new course of Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies General. The course provides both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students with the opportunity to explore shared histories and involve themselves in active reconciliation. The classes affirm the cultural experience and identity of Aboriginal students, and all students have opportunities to learn from, and with, Aboriginal people.

Understanding and valuing cultural diversity are key skills both for citizenship in contemporary multicultural Australia and for participation in an increasingly global community. The Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies General course is intended to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values to be active citizens at the local, national and global levels. These skills are also highly valued in today's workplaces. The ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment is important in a wide range of vocational contexts.

Jahlil Hajinoor-Fuller (Year 11) explained, "I chose AIS because I felt, although I know a lot about my culture, I still think there is a lot more I could learn. By participating in this course, I am learning more and encouraging my mates to learn more in the process. I hope to broaden my knowledge about my culture and maybe even use what I learn in this course to help my family act."

Jasmine Walter (Year 10) is a non-Aboriginal student who chose Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies because she wanted to learn more about other cultures. "I thought it would be good to learn as I am thinking of becoming an early childhood teacher. I think it is good to know about different cultures when becoming a teacher as you will have kids from different places and cultures," reflected Jasmine.

Ms Josephine Mfune, Assistant Head of Humanities and History Teacher, is a passionate educator who introduced this course and believes it is a vital part of our shared history. "Education is the fastest way to change how people see themselves and others. If we are truly to move forward as a reconciled nation, we must learn to acknowledge what the clash of cultures created and learn how to move beyond the problems together. This subject equips the next generation to do that," shared Josephine.

Although we have a long way to go, Scotch is committed to making sure our boys are capable of taking informed action that will bring about positive change.