Quakers Hill High School

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Emailquakershil-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Aboriginal studies

In Aboriginal studies, students learn to investigate and value different perspectives and participate in discussion about the experiences of Aboriginal peoples.

Over the course of two years students will foster intellectual, social and moral development by enabling students to think critically about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples.

Aboriginal history and culture are fundamental to the development of Australian identity. Aboriginal studies acknowledges the contribution of Aboriginal cultures and communities to Australian society. Aboriginal Studies seeks to provide a body of knowledge that is both accurate and unbiased. The course will provide students with ways of detecting and analysing bias in representations of Aboriginal peoples

Learning Aboriginal studies

Aboriginal studies is a unique experience for both Aboriginal students and non-Aboriginal students. Aboriginal students are provided with an opportunity for cultural affirmation and positive educational experiences while non-Aboriginal students are able to ‘learn together’ with Aboriginal peoples and communities.

The Preliminary course focuses on Aboriginal Peoples' relationship to the Land, Aboriginal heritage and identity, and an historical examination of colonialism, racism and prejudice from pre-contact times to the 1960s. The course also includes the development of skills in culturally appropriate research and inquiry methods. It involves case studies.

Preliminary course

  • Part I: Aboriginality and the Land
    • Aboriginal Peoples' relationship to Country
    • Dispossession and dislocation of Aboriginal Peoples from Country
    • Impact of British colonisation on Country
  • Part II: Heritage and Identity
    • The Dreaming and cultural ownership
    • Diversity of Aboriginal cultural and social life
    • Impact of colonisation on Aboriginal cultures and families
    • Impact of racism and stereotyping
  • Part III: International Indigenous Community: Comparative Study
    • Location, environment and features of an international Indigenous community
    • Comparison of the key experiences of the international Indigenous and an Australian Aboriginal community in relation to Aboriginality and the Land; and Heritage and Identity
  • Part IV: Research and Inquiry Methods: Local Community Case Study
    • Methods and skills relating to: community consultation; planning research; acquiring information; processing information; communicating information

The HSC course provides for in-depth study of legislation, policy, judicial processes and current events from the 1960s. During the course, students undertake consultation with Aboriginal communities and study the course through the experiences of national and international Indigenous communities. Students apply research and inquiry methods through the completion of a major project.

HSC course

  • Part I – Social Justice and Human Rights Issues
    • (a) Global Perspective: Global understanding of human rights and social justice AND
    • (b) Comparative Study: A comparative case study on an Aboriginal and international Indigenous community, in relation to TWO of the following topics: Health, Education, Housing, Employment, Criminal Justice, Economic Independence
  • Part II – Case Study of an Aboriginal community for each topic
    • (a) Aboriginality and the Land – The Land Rights movement and the recognition of native title; government policies and legislation; non-Aboriginal responses OR
    • (b) Heritage and Identity – Contemporary aspects of Aboriginal heritage and identity, government policies and legislation; non-Aboriginal responses
  • Part III – Research and Inquiry Methods – Major Project : Choice of project topic based on student interest.

You explore the social, historical and cultural issues that have affected and continue to have an impact on Aboriginal peoples, locally and nationally, and Indigenous peoples worldwide.

Students completing this course will visit Mel Mel Island ( Goat Island) as well as the State library. There will a range of guest speakers visiting the school.

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We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past and present.

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