A report has found that cultural connection at school drives Aboriginal students to complete their Higher School Certificate.
The study by the NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Research (CESE) showed that Aboriginal students in years 7 to 9 who feel good about their culture at school are more likely to aspire to do the HSC.
Wiradjuri woman Haylee Mills, who graduated from year 12 in 2020, said the cultural opportunities offered at Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus transformed her relationship with school.
“I never really came to school, I was never interested and had no motivation to stay in school or anything like that,” she said.
“Coming into Jesmond, I started getting into cultural dance, artwork and learning how to tell stories.”
Finding her passion in expressing her culture artistically, Haylee said, helped her realise how important education is.
“I had a bit of a rough start. I took a non-Ataar path because I didn’t think I could get into uni, and decided to go to uni a little bit before the HSC.”
Haylee is now two weeks away from finishing an enabling course at the University of Newcastle that’ll help her pursue a career in teaching.
She’s also returned to Jesmond Campus as a support worker.
Alex Nean (left), Haylee Mills (middle) and Steve Ley (right).
“Learning how to connect with culture inspired me to pass on knowledge, especially to our younger generations.”
Around 10 per cent of Jesmond’s students are Indigenous.
“Most of our kids don't drop out, we try and help them on their path on their journey,” Kamilaroi man Alex Nean said.
Mr Nean works as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer said many students come to Jesmond from out of town and don’t have anyone to turn to.
“They look up to us like their dads and we impact them by being there, supporting them and getting them through years 11 and 12. That’s our biggest aim.”
“When they get their certificates, you see a big smile on their face... That makes my day.”
Jesmond Campus Career Adviser Steve Ley said their Indigenous students completed the HSC at the same rate as their non-Indigenous students in 2020.
'Supporting Aboriginal students to attain the HSC' report by the NSW Department of Education.
It’s a big contrast to the 26 per cent gap recorded across the state in 2019.
“The programs that Alex and Haylee have been involved in are central to creating that sense of belonging and community which has led to them seeing it through,” Mr Ley said.
“For instance, when we do personal learning plans with students, Alex and Halee will be talking about cultural opportunities, identity and wellbeing support, and the careers team will be talking about aspirations and pathways to get there, we don't do things in isolation.”
NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this approach increases the chances of year 12 completion.
“It’s important for all schools everywhere to recognise and celebrate the culture, history and customs of all students and communities in order to foster classroom environments where students feel supported to achieve great things,” Ms Mitchell said.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said that supporting Aboriginal students’ cultural identity at school is integral to their success.
“The real recognition of Aboriginal identity builds relationships and rapport with educators and opens the door for students to learn and thrive in their studies."
"This will have long term impacts for students and their pathway in the future.”
