NSW Education Dep’t: Aboriginal education stronger with new agreement

Aboriginal education in NSW government schools will be strengthened under a new partnership agreement signed this week between the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSW AECG).

The new Partnership Agreement 2020-2030, Walking Together, Working Together, builds on the strong foundation of the previous 2010-2020 Partnership Agreement. It will continue the work towards the Premier’s Priority of increasing the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining Year 12 by 50 percent by 2023 whilst maintaining their cultural identity.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the key to the agreement is ensuring every Aboriginal child and young person in NSW can achieve their potential.

“The NSW AECG is the peak advisory body to the Department on Aboriginal education. This partnership underpins the work to strengthen education for Aboriginal children and young people,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The clarity of the partnership will lead the development of a 10-year plan with interim and annual reporting accountabilities.”

“It is essential that the students of NSW know, understand and learn about the land of the people they live and study on and celebrate the richness of Aboriginal cultures across our State.”

The agreement was signed for today’s virtual launch by Cindy Berwick, President of the NSW AECGExternal link, and Mark Scott, Secretary, NSW Department of Education, and witnessed by Minister Mitchell.

The partnership will:

• inform improvements to policy which will ensure students are well prepared for school, with access to before-school education;
• support teachers in delivering culturally relevant curriculum that reflects Aboriginal students’ heritage, cultures and languages;
• support Aboriginal young people in being able to express confidently their knowledge of their culture and educational achievement, and
• ensure every student in NSW leaves school with an understanding of Aboriginal heritage and culture, and of the history of interaction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.