Aboriginal Studies

The Preliminary course focuses on Aboriginal Peoples' relationship to the Land, Aboriginal heritage and identity, and a 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.

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. The History Faculty has enjoyed considerable success in the Higher School Certificate, frequently gaining results above State average in all three subject areas. These results include 1st in the State—Society and Culture, 8th in the State—Society and Culture, 8th in the State—Ancient History.

Course Content

Year 11

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

Year 12

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.

This is a new and exciting course that we are looking to run this year!

Watch below to see how it has been implemented in other schools.

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