Teaching & Learning 

Indigenous Perspectives Across the Curriculum 

At our school, we are committed to embedding Indigenous perspectives across all areas of learning, helping students develop a deeper understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contributions. This is an expectation that is part of the implementation of the Victorian Curriclum.

A recent example of this learning can be seen in Years 1 & 2 Performing Arts lessons, where students have been engaging with ‘Inanay’. "Inanay" is a traditional Australian Aboriginal lullaby and children's song, sung in the Yorta Yorta language. Whilst it cannot be directly translated word-for-word, it tells the story of a goanna (an Australian monitor lizard), with the final "choo!" sound representing the act of shooing the lizard away. 

Through this experience, students are not only developing their singing, movement, and coordination skills but also learning about storytelling through song, the significance of animals in Aboriginal culture, and the importance of passing knowledge down through generations. By incorporating movement, music and meaning, the Goanna Song provides students with a respectful and engaging way to connect with Indigenous culture. Students have shown great enthusiasm for learning the actions and the song, while also gaining an appreciation for the cultural significance of the performance.

Embedding Indigenous perspectives supports our goal of creating inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms. We are proud of the way our students are engaging with this learning and continuing to build their understanding of Australia’s rich First Nations cultures.