Description
Early Childhood Study Tour - NT: Embracing Traditional Languages and Culture
Join us on a study tour to the Northern Territory, where we will explore the innovative early childhood programs of NT schools. Participants will visit Yuendumu School and Children's Ground. This tour is designed for early childhood educators and school leaders from Aboriginal Independent Community Schools passionate about integrating traditional languages and cultural curricula into their teaching practices.
Course Highlights:
Traditional Languages and Culture Curriculum: Discover how early childhood programs deliver traditional languages and cultural teachings, fostering a deep connection to heritage and identity.
Curriculum Cycles: Gain insights into the cultural curriculum cycles that host schools have developed based on traditional language and culture of the Walpiri people.
Literacies: Explore effective early years strategies for teaching reading, writing, and phonics within the context of traditional languages, enhancing literacy skills while preserving cultural knowledge.
EYLF Implementation: Learn how the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is implemented in these unique settings, promoting children's learning and development through play-based and culturally relevant experiences.
Cross-Cultural Consultation and Collaboration: See how schools incorporate cross-cultural consultation and collaboration in the delivery of their curriculum, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Throughout the tour, participants will have the opportunity to engage with educators, observe classroom practices, and participate in discussions on best practices for integrating traditional languages and cultural curriculum. This immersive experience will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for enhancing early childhood education in diverse and culturally rich environments.
Itinerary
Day | Monday 15/9 | Tuesday 16/9 | Wednesday 17/9 | Thursday 18/9 | Friday 19/9 |
Schedule | Participants arrive in Alice Springs from communities. | Breakfast at leisure. Buffet opens at 6am. | Breakfast at leisure. | Breakfast at leisure. | Breakfast at leisure. |
8am Depart Alice Springs
| 8:30am Transport to school Day at Yuendumu School
| 8:30am Depart Yuendumu | 9:00am Visit Children’s Ground
| ||
10am Rest Stop at Tilmouth Well. | |||||
12pm Arrive at Yuendumu. Lunch at Outback Store | 12:30pm Arrive in Alice Springs | Participants depart for communities | |||
2pm Check into accommodation - Mercure Alice Springs. | 1pm Afternoon session at Yuendumu School | 1pm Lunch Venue TBC | |||
3pm AISWA Shopping trip. Please advise of any requirements or if you wish to take part in shopping trip. | 3pm Check into accommodation | 3pm Return to accommodation | 2pm Reflection / Visit TBC | ||
5pm Welcome to Country | 6pm Group dinner | 6pm Group dinner | 6pm Group dinner | ||
6pm Group dinner at Barra on Todd (Mercure). |
Outcomes
- Develop strategies for teaching students with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, focusing on traditional languages and cultural curriculum.
- Gain knowledge of content selection and organization for traditional languages and cultural teachings.
- Learn effective literacy and numeracy strategies within the context of traditional languages, enhancing reading, writing, and phonics skills.
- Plan, structure, and sequence learning programs that align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and support holistic and culturally responsive education.
- Implement cross-cultural consultation and collaboration to create inclusive and supportive classroom practices.
- Participate in professional learning opportunities that focus on integrating traditional languages and cultural curriculum into early childhood education.
- Reflect on and improve teaching practices through engagement with educators and experts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
- Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community members to enhance the delivery of traditional languages and cultural curriculum.
Presenters
Melissa Kennedy (AISWA Staff)
Consultant | Early Childhood
Melissa Kennedy’s primary role is supporting Early Childhood programs at Aboriginal Independent Community Schools. Melissa is passionate and dedicated to the education profession with almost 20 years’ experience in both Independent Schools and Indigenous education. She has gained extensive experience filling many diverse roles including Early Childhood Classroom Teacher, Early Childhood Coordinator, Deputy of Teaching and Learning and Principal. Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in addition to an inherent understanding of community school education and Inquiry pedagogy.
Terms & Conditions
Please click here to view our general terms and conditions
Segments
Early Childhood Study Tour – NORTHERN TERRITORY
Date / Time
14 Sep 2025 Starts: 18:00 Finishes: 12:00Delivery Format : In Person