College’s winning formula
The Koorie Education Program at Northern Bay College has won a Victorian Education Excellence Award for its success in engaging aboriginal children to learn and focus on their future.
The award, announced in late 2015, includes a $25,000 grant for professional development for staff. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Education Co-ordinator Carrie Tinning said the award was proof that Northern Bay College is a leader in indigenous education.
“We have 124 students across our campuses who are identified as aboriginal, which represents 5.5 per cent of our school population,” Carrie said. She said the award justifies the school’s decision to create a program aimed at improving attendance and outcomes for students.
The Koorie Education Program focuses on identity, culture and aspirations. Senior (Years 9-12) tutorial worker Audra Czyzewski and Early Years (Prep-Year 3) literacy and numeracy support teacher Karen Uebergang work with Carrie to ensure students stay engaged in learning and focussed on their future.
It includes forums, camps, leadership and career pathway programs to strengthen personal development, cultural pride and achievements for its indigenous students.
Carrie said the professional development grant will be used to research programs that are working well in Australia and in other indigenous education settings around the world.