‘Strong Futures’, is a class designed to strengthen the bond between culture and education. The class will embrace students’ identity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and build stronger futures. 

At Renmark High School, we see the need for students to walk in two worlds if they are to be successful in both education and employment, and happy and mentally healthy in life. Those thoughts were echoed in comments by Aboriginal elders of our community. Students recognize this but are unsure of what to do about it. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Renmark High School have asked for a class where they can learn together with their peers, where traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and learning styles are upheld and valued.

Many other students wish for a chance to learn about the culture and traditions of Australia’s first people and this class will be a mixture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and some who are not. 

A traditional way of learning will be our focus. Uncle Barney Lindsay and Daniel Giles will be running the program with help from Martine Turnbull and Pammy Main. 

This class will be held in ‘Namawi Pulgi’ and will run for a double lesson. A different topic will be covered each week, inviting successful Aboriginal people to come in and talk to the students about their stories. Aboriginal community members involved will:

• Share their stories and hopes for the young people of this community, give ideas for strategies to get through the tough times
• Provide information for support, develop greater respect for Elders and community
• Share traditional knowledge and language and their beliefs in the importance of education and navigating through the system.

The class will offer rich curriculum in the areas of Literacy, Numeracy, STEM and the Arts, differentiated for Years 8 to 11. Field trips to Calperum Station, Ngaut Ngaut walking trail and Bookmark Creek may be included over the year.

Martine Turnbull and Daniel Giles

The ‘Strong Futures’ program offered at Renmark High School aims to provide a vast curriculum in Literacy, Numeracy, the Arts and STEM. The class will embrace students’ identity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and a traditional learning approach will be the focus. The lessons will be held once a week and will take place in ‘Namawi Pulgi’, with a brand new topic discussed each week. The class will be run by Uncle Barney Lindsay and Daniel Giles, while Renmark High staff members Martine Turnbull and Pammy Main will also be involved. Successful Aboriginal community members will also have the opportunity to participate within the program, being invited to share their stories with the students and provide inspiration in their own lives. These community members will also be able to provide students with traditional knowledge and language based from their own personal beliefs, while also explaining the importance of navigating the education system.

The class is open to any student between Years 8 and 11 who are looking to learn more about the culture and traditions of the first people of Australia.

Written by Joshua G (Year 11)