Learning through authentic voices

Year 6 students took part in On Country Learning Week, a rich program of cultural, creative and historical learning experiences designed to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal culture, history and connection to Country.

As a school community located on Gadigal Land, learning about and with Country is an important part of the Year 6 curriculum. Throughout the week, students worked alongside Aboriginal knowledge holders, educators and community members, engaging with culture through storytelling, art, performance, movement and hands-on experiences.

The week began at school with a Yarning Circle workshop guided by Uncle Matt Priestly from Desert Pea Media, followed by Didgeridoo and dance workshops led by Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo. Students then continued their creative learning through art sessions with Aunty B, culminating in an opportunity to share and celebrate their work.

A man in a tan outfit holds green eucalyptus branches and sits beside a fire pit, learning from another person who tends to the flames. A yellow bin is visible in the background, adding an everyday touch to this moment of shared education and authentic voices.

A smiling person wearing mirrored sunglasses and a black-and-white palm tree shirt stands outdoors near a colourful mural, embracing learning from the authentic voices that surround them.

Several children in sports kits walk in a line through a cloud of smoke on an outdoor court, their authentic voices echoing with excitement. One boy in front bends slightly forward, holding something in his hands, as if learning from the experience. Other children and adults are visible in the background.

A girl in a dark sports kit leans over smoke rising from a bowl, with people gathered around her on a sports court, learning from the authentic voices of those watching in the background.

A diverse group of teenagers and adults pose together on a rooftop, making hand gestures towards the camera. Some wear school uniforms and others wear casual clothes. The mood is energetic and playful, capturing authentic voices as they celebrate learning and connection.

A group of students in uniforms stand with raised hands, some with white dots painted on their faces, appearing focused during an authentic learning activity in a classroom or school setting.

A group of students, some with white dots on their faces, stand indoors. Two girls at the front wear navy sports clothes and a GAP hoodie, embodying authentic voices within the learning environment. Others are blurred in the background.

A group of school children, each bringing their authentic voices, play white tube instruments outdoors on a sports court, led by an adult in sunglasses. City buildings and cranes are visible in the background, creating a vibrant setting for hands-on learning.

An older man sits on a chair, holding and playing a didgeridoo. He is smiling and pointing while children sit and watch, fully engaged in the learning experience. The setting appears to be a classroom, where authentic voices help bring education to life.

A group of children sit in a circle on chairs in a classroom, each holding a tube-shaped instrument. Engaged in a collaborative learning activity, they share authentic voices and ideas with one another, whilst posters and drawings decorate the classroom walls.

A girl stands indoors holding a large handwritten poster with text and purple spiral drawings, showcasing her authentic learning. She wears a dark shirt, shorts, and white shoes. Behind her are noticeboards, a whiteboard with notes, and classroom materials—capturing the spirit of pupils’ authentic voices in the learning environment.

A group of students and an adult sit in a large circle on a classroom floor, engaging in a group discussion that fosters authentic voices. Classroom decorations and educational materials are visible on the walls and shelves, creating an environment dedicated to learning.

A group of students sit on the floor facing three presenters at the front of a classroom. One presenter stands and gestures, while the others are seated. Classroom walls display posters and artwork, creating an environment that encourages authentic learning experiences.

Four boys stand in a classroom with their hands on their heads like antlers, expressing their authentic voices through playful creativity. They have white stripes painted on their faces and are smiling, clearly enjoying this unique learning experience. The room is bright, with books and posters in the background.

A group of children and an adult sit in a classroom, each playing a didgeridoo. Engaged in authentic learning, the adult demonstrates whilst the children listen and play, sharing authentic voices through their music. Posters and a TV are on the wall behind them.

A group of students and a tutor crouch and laugh together in a classroom, participating in a lively learning activity. The classroom, filled with authentic voices, has large windows, a projector screen, and colourful decorations on the walls.

A student with glasses draws on white paper at a desk, using pencils from an art kit. She smiles at the camera in a classroom filled with notes and drawings posted on the glass wall behind her, capturing a genuine moment of learning and authentic voices in action.

A child sits at a table, learning as they draw an owl with black and white markers on a canvas. Authentic voices fill the room, with art supplies scattered around and another child partially visible nearby.

A boy in a navy school uniform sits at a white table, learning as he draws or paints a black tree and shapes on paper. Authentic voices of creativity surround him, while rucksacks hang on the wall behind him.

A person writes on paper: The people in our school community are friends and they have emotions, reflecting authentic voices within our environment. The paper rests on a carpeted floor.

On Wednesday, students headed to Centennial Park for Koori Kinnections, where they explored Country through a walk on Country, hands-on resource activities and culturally appropriate art experiences. The following day, students travelled across Sydney Harbour to Clark Island for a Tribal Warrior cultural experience. Guided by First Nations educators, they learned about Gadigal and broader Eora history, culture and connection to Country, as well as storytelling and cultural performance.

Two children wearing navy hats and black outfits stand outdoors on a sunny day, immersed in learning through play. One child holds a large stick with leaves, while the other smiles and rests a hand on their friend’s shoulder. Trees and pavement are in the background, capturing an authentic moment of friendship and authentic voices.

Four children in school uniforms sit on rocks outdoors, engaged in learning. Two girls hold musical instruments—a wooden clapper and a shaker—expressing their authentic voices through music. A rucksack rests nearby, and a white bird stands behind them among trees and soil ground.

Five children in school uniforms sit outdoors in a wooded area, engaged in hands-on learning. Four of them examine a wooden object together, sharing their authentic voices and insights. They wear caps, shorts, and trainers. Rucksacks and a Coles shopping bag are nearby. An adult stands in the background.

Three children in matching school uniforms and hats sit on rocks in a park, holding up their hands with simple drawings on their palms. Their rucksacks are on the ground beside them, and trees create a peaceful background—an inspiring scene of learning and education captured through authentic voices.

Two children in sports kits sit on the grass in the shade of a tree, smiling at the camera. A rucksack lies beside them. The scene appears relaxed and outdoors, with sunlight and a grassy background—capturing a moment of authentic learning and genuine connection beyond the classroom.

Two people in matching athletic uniforms sit under a large tree on bark, smiling at the camera. Sunlight filters through the leaves as they enjoy an authentic learning moment in a park-like setting, appearing relaxed and happy.

Four boys in school uniforms sit at a wooden picnic table outdoors, with trees and grass in the background. One boy faces the camera, whilst the others look towards him, engaged in learning together. A book and a rucksack are on the table.

Three students in sports uniforms sit on grass, smiling at the camera as they enjoy a break from learning. Two wear blue caps and one wears a black cap. Their rucksacks rest beside them, while more students—adding to the lively scene with their authentic voices—are visible in the background.

A group of nine people in casual attire stand smiling on grass near the Sydney Opera House on a sunny day, their authentic voices echoing joy and camaraderie. A sign behind them advertises gelato, coffee, milkshakes, and slushies, suggesting a day filled with laughter and learning amidst iconic surroundings.

A child wearing a black cap and hoodie sits on a rock outdoors, writing on a clipboard. Green grass, rucksacks, and other people in the background suggest a nature excursion or school field trip focused on hands-on learning.

Two students stand outdoors on grass, engaged in authentic learning as they write in notebooks under tall trees on a sunny day. They wear dark sweatshirts and hats, focusing intently on their work. Another student sits in the background.

A person in a black hoodie and cap stands outdoors, holding and writing on a clipboard as sunlight filters through the trees—capturing authentic voices in their notes. Another person is visible in the background, suggesting a setting of observation and learning.

A group of children in matching uniforms sit on rocks outdoors, engaged in authentic learning. One child holds and feels an animal pelt, whilst others watch or wait in a queue. Trees and logs are visible in the background.

Two children wearing dark sports clothing and caps stand outdoors, smiling and holding large pieces of bark and leaves. The background features trees, shrubs, and pavement in a sunny park setting—an ideal environment for learning through exploration with authentic voices of curiosity and discovery.

Three children in school uniforms stand outdoors on a sunny day, smiling and holding dried leaves and sticks. Surrounded by trees and large rocks, they embody authentic voices of curiosity and learning in nature.

Three children stand together by a pond, smiling at the camera. Two are holding leaves and sticks as part of their learning adventure. All are wearing casual clothing and hats. The background shows water, trees, and a partly cloudy sky.

The week also included Indigenous Games at Wentworth Park as part of the Year 6 Sports program, giving students another opportunity to connect learning, culture and community through movement and play.

The week concluded with Grand-friends Day, where students shared some of their creative work and learning with members of their extended school community, providing a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the week.

On Country Learning Week provided students with opportunities to engage directly with Aboriginal culture and perspectives through the knowledge and experience of Aboriginal educators and community members. These experiences are an important part of ensuring students encounter accurate, respectful and culturally appropriate knowledge from people with lived, inherited and community knowledge.

The program supported the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority, while helping students develop a deeper understanding of Country, culture, history and community.

By learning with authentic voices and engaging respectfully with Country, Year 6 students built knowledge across their curriculum while developing a stronger understanding of Australia’s First Peoples and the world’s oldest continuing culture.

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