Aboriginal Education
Sydney Secondary College is proudly located on the lands of the Gadigal and Wongal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge and extend our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all who have, and continue to contribute to our College.
As a College we are committed to improving the educational outcomes and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students so that they excel and achieve in every aspect of their education. We are committed to increasing knowledge and understanding of the histories, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of Australia across our curriculum as we believe this knowledge empowers all students.
We have strong community connections with our Inner City Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) and work with a number of community stakeholders such as local Elders, Department of Education's Regional Aboriginal Education Team, the Royal Botanic Gardens and surrounding Universities to ensure that our outcomes are met. We also engage in a number of programs that allow our students to build their capacity and thrive. These include cultural programs such as BroSpeak and SistaSpeak, mentoring programs such as Pirru Thangkuray, and arts programs run through the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit and Bangarra Dance Theatre. Additionally, we provide opportunities for our students to gain work experience and placements through organisations such as the Sydney Opera House.
As a college, we are proud of the support that teachers and staff provide our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Each campus runs an Aboriginal Education team for teaching staff, with the communal goal of supporting students and their families within the community.
In 2022 Balmain, Leichhardt and Blackwattle Bay campuses formed Junior AECG’s. Membership provides opportunities for young Aboriginal students to develop leadership skills, communication skills, public speaking skills and provides a voice for young people to express their opinions and perspectives on issues relating to Aboriginal education. Membership is open to all students, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.
Sydney Secondary College acknowledged and celebrated our outstanding academic, sporting, and special achievements from 2022 at our first College Presentation Day ceremony post Covid-19. The ceremony included a Smoking Ceremony from Tribal Warrior.
For Our Elders, National NAIDOC Week 2023
Sydney Secondary College is proud to be celebrating National NAIDOC week in July 2023. We are proud to be celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Watch our NAIDOC 2020 video: "Always was, Always will be"
2022 Reflections and 2023 Directions
Throughout 2022, all three campuses successfully implemented consistent Personalised Learning Pathways (PLP's) for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Students have had their PLP updated with their learning goals and pathways recorded in our schools' Sentral system for ongoing support over subsequent PLP mentoring sessions. The Aboriginal Education teams across the college have updated all PLP's in 2023 for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at Sydney Secondary College. Through this process, all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students at SSC Leichhardt, Balmain, and Blackwattle Bay have been assigned teacher mentors who will work with the students throughout the year in relation to their schooling journey for 2023.
Sydney Secondary College is committed to providing oppourtunities for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to learn and connect to culture through college-wide programs and experiences. Throughout 2023, the college will be continuing to work with the community to provide programs that will support well-being, academic success, and cultural connections for our students and staff. As a college, we acknowledge the Permier's Priority goals and will be supporting our students to reach their learning potential and maintain a connectedness to culture and the community.
In 2023, all staff at Sydney Secondary College will be participating in a Professional Learning School Development Day focused on Aboriginal Education. The college is committed to ongoing Professional Learning, with a focus in 2023 on increasing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal histories and cultures, and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Sydney Secondary College supports the Department of Education's appreciation that the commitment of teachers and school leaders to sustain positive change is a critical factor in ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have access to high-quality learning environments.
Students from Sydney Secondary College engaging in the Sista and Bro speak program run at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
