Campbelltown Performing Arts High School is dedicated to advancing educational equity and celebrating the diverse histories and cultures of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. We do so in partnership with various programs and initiatives, including the NRL School to Work Program, MTC Opportunity Hub, WSU Pathways to Dreaming, KARI, GO Foundation. The First Nation Team works toward improving attendance and retention rates and enhancing school engagement among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students whilst providing intensive Literacy and Numeracy support.
All students participate in Personalised Learning Pathways (PLPs). This is a consultative process between students, staff & families to ensure students set challenging but realistic targets aimed to incorporate culturally relevant content, making learning more meaningful and engaging for First Nation students. This approach helps students connect with their heritage and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and pride whilst allowing educators to address individual student needs by adapting teaching methods, content, and pacing to meet each student where they are academically.
At Campbelltown Performing Arts High School, we also recognise the importance of celebrating significant Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander events. This has a profound impact on our students and our school community. By recognising and celebrating National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week & NAIDOC Week, we provide our students with the opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of First Nations people. This, in turn, fosters cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Our commitment to celebrating First Nation events goes hand in hand with our dedication to fostering respect. Through these celebrations, our students learn to honour the contributions, resilience, and heritage of First Nation communities, leading to a greater sense of respect and empathy. Embracing and celebrating First Nation events is an integral part of creating an inclusive and welcoming school environment. It sends a clear message to our First Nation students that their cultures and identities are not only recognised but also highly valued within our school community.
By integrating these principles into our educational journey, we aim to cultivate a more culturally aware, respectful, and inclusive school community that recognises the significance of our First Nation’s students and promotes understanding, respect, and unity.