Aboriginal Education Experience (with Andrew Oldfield)
This term we have been very fortunate to have Andrew Oldfield, working with us as an Aboriginal Education Assistant/Artist. Andrew's traditional name is Waraba and is a proud Gamilaroi man.
Andrew has extensive talent and skill in creating Aboriginal artifacts in a traditional manner (gathering, harvesting, and preparing raw materials).
Andrew has made good progress with creating a traditional hunting-gathering fish trap from scratch. He has been showcasing this process and his progress with many classes from Kindergarten to Year 12. Check out some photos of these Aboriginal Education Experiences below.
The incorporation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives is a curriculum priority area in all subjects. Andrew has visited Year 11 elective classes, including Investigating Science and Studies of Religion.
Year 11 Investigating Science classes have been learning about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lived sustainably through firestick farming and the medicinal uses of plants. They supplemented their learning with real-life artifacts and tools of a firestick and experienced how to saponify with the Sydney Golden Wattle, also called the soap plant. Some students were successful in starting a fire with Andrew's firestick and appreciated nature's wonderful pharmacy of plants.
Year 11 Studies of Religion have been learning about Aboriginal Spirituality and the nature of Dreaming. Andrew provided valuable insight into the perspective of Aboriginal people on the origins of the universe, Dreaming stories, sacred sites and symbolism, and art.
We thank Andrew for sharing his knowledge and talents with our community as we enrich our community by incorporating Aboriginal culture and continue to commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of reconciliation!
