Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities
Learn how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities are included in NSW syllabuses, and what teachers should consider when planning and programming.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and histories
Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and histories is a Priority for learning in the NSW curriculum.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and histories priority supports students to develop their knowledge of the world's oldest continuous living Cultures. The priority encompasses the concepts of Country or Place, People, Culture and identity.
Syllabuses on this website
Some syllabuses on this website include ‘Learning across the curriculum’ priorities. These have a summary about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and Cultures. An icon marks this content.
Syllabuses on the NSW Curriculum website
Syllabuses on the NSW Curriculum website include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities. Specific outcomes and content to support students to develop their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Cultures and histories are included in:
- HSIE K–6 (2024) (New from 2027)
- Geography 7–10 (2024) (New from 2027)
- History 7–10 (2024) (New from 2027)
These syllabuses focus on Aboriginal Cultures and histories in the NSW context.
Planning and programming
When planning to teach content relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities, teachers are encouraged to:
- involve local Aboriginal Communities and/or appropriate Knowledge Holders in determining suitable resources
- use Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander authored or endorsed publications
- read the principles and protocols for:
- teaching and learning about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities
- involving local Aboriginal Communities.
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) published a Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources. It can help teachers to choose appropriate resources for teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, Cultures, and Languages respectfully and effectively.