We have written to The Conversation’s Editor to have the article reviewed and believe the inaccuracies warrant a retraction.
The article states that “NSW will remove 65,000 years of Aboriginal history from its syllabus.” This, among other statements is plainly wrong.
New NSW syllabuses include more content on Aboriginal Cultures and Histories than any previous NSW syllabus.
From Kindergarten to Year 10 students now have opportunities to build a deep knowledge and understanding of Australia’s history prior to 1788.
This includes examining archaeological objects and sites that provide evidence Aboriginal Peoples are the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world as well as the impact on the management and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Cultural heritage sites, objects and Knowledges.
The article states that “Ancient Australia” has been taught nationally in Year 7 as part of the Australian Curriculum and that in 2022 a new topic called the “deep time history of Australia” was introduced but dropped by NSW.
That is wrong: NSW does not and has never had units of work titled “Ancient Australia” or “deep time history of Australia” in 7-10 History.
Instead, we have included Aboriginal Cultures and Histories from time immemorial across the K-6 HSIE syllabus and 7-10 History syllabus, including the opportunity to study ancient Australia as a case study in Year 11 and 12 as well as other syllabuses including Geography, Creative Arts, PDHPE and Science.
The new syllabuses can be viewed on the NSW Curriculum website here.
For attribution to NESA Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin
“The new History syllabuses for both primary and high school students are groundbreaking. They do what no other History syllabus has done in recent times and present perspectives of Aboriginal Peoples experiences through a range of historical periods.”
“The strength of the NSW curriculum is that it covers Aboriginal Cultures and Histories from ancient times through colonisation and to more recent times.”
“Not only is Aboriginal Cultures and Histories since time immemorial included in the Years 7 to 10 History syllabus, it is also essential learning for all students in the primary school syllabuses to ensure all students learn about Aboriginal Peoples of NSW.”
For attribution to Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Strategy and Leadership Nathan Towney
“The misreporting in this article is incredibly damaging to our NSW Aboriginal Communities.”
“It remains inaccurate to say that NESA has removed the teaching of Aboriginal Histories and Cultures.”
“New History syllabuses do what previous education content has not – give young people opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world.”
“The syllabuses provide a more complete picture of Australia's rich Cultures including its Ancient past and the impacts of colonisation - that is aligned to the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration 2019.”
Mr Towney is a proud Wiradjuri man from Wellington, NSW and also a member of the NSW Education Standards Authority Board.
For attribution to President NSW AECG Inc Raymond Ingrey
“As the peak body for all matters relating to Aboriginal Education and Training in NSW, the NSW AECG has been involved in the development of the new History syllabuses in NSW.”
“The NSW AECG has a vast Aboriginal community network made up of 145 Local AECGs across NSW with parents, carers, teachers, Principals and Elders playing an active role in children’s education.”
“The NSW AECG believes the new History syllabus ensures students are not repeating information taught in previous stages leading to disengagement and is consistent across all stages of learning.”
“The NSW AECG welcomes the changes made by NESA to ensure an increased, genuine engagement with local Aboriginal Communities when delivering content relating to Aboriginal Languages, Cultures, Histories and contemporary matters effecting our people here in NSW.”
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSW AECG) is the peak body for all matters relating to Aboriginal Education and Training in NSW.
Raymond Ingrey is from the La Perouse Aboriginal community and has been involved in leading Dharawal language reclamation for 20 years.
