Students from 20 public schools across Western Australia will learn about science from local Aboriginal people - on country and in the classroom - following the official launch of an exciting new initiative.
The Two-way Science Initiative will be implemented at schools in the Perth metropolitan area as well as the Kimberley and Goldfields-Esperance regions. It is expected to expand to more public schools in the future.
Staff from 20 schools will participate in professional learning featuring immersive workshops on country, which were designed with local Aboriginal communities and organisations.
Cultural and ecological knowledge is then taught by local Aboriginal people to students on country and in the classroom.
The Two-way Science Initiative will help build understanding and respect for Aboriginal histories, cultures, people, knowledge and experiences while strengthening the wellbeing and learning outcomes for Aboriginal students.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"All students in Western Australia should have the very best opportunities to learn and help prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
"I look forward to seeing it progress to more schools in the future and I'm sure students will be inspired by these new learning programs."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This is a wonderful initiative and I am thrilled to see students at Western Australian public schools getting the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal people's in-depth understanding of Western Australia.
"As a Government, we are committed to working with Aboriginal people, to help everyone better understand some of the world's oldest cultures, and this new program is a fine example of that.
"Importantly, this initiative aligns with the State Government's commitment to Close the Gap, particularly around education and learning targets and our commitment to keep language and culture strong."
As stated by Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby:
"I'm very pleased to launch this exciting initiative on behalf of the Education Minister, so schools can further build partnerships with their Aboriginal communities and all students can learn about science from the world's oldest cultures.
"It is particularly pleasing for the launch to be happening at Baldivis Secondary College in my electorate, which is one of the first schools to take part in the program."
Two-way Science Initiative schools
Wiluna Remote Community School
Laverton School
Menzies Community School
Mount Margaret Remote Community School
East Kalgoorlie Primary School
Leinster Community School
O'Connor Primary School
Fitzroy Valley District High School
Djugerari Remote Community School
One Arm Point Remote Community School
La Grange Remote Community School
Broome Senior High School
Coolbinia Primary School
Shenton College
Baldivis Secondary College
Makybe Rise Primary School
Quairading District High School
Two-way Science Initiative lead schools
Ngaanyatjarra Lands School
Leonora District High School
Beachlands Primary School
