Students at Dubbo College have used the teachings of a local Aboriginal elder to help with a new unit of study.
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Wiradjuri man ‘Riverbank’ Frank Doolan spent more than an hour at the centre of a yarning circle at South Campus with Year 10 students recently, discussing aspects of people and place in the local community.
South Campus’ head teacher of English, Lauren Ward, said it was important that what happened in the classrooms had real life applications in the broader world.
“Students need to be interacting with texts that have meaning for them and are more than just words on a page,” she said.
“With this in mind our English faculty launched a new unit this year titled ‘Go West! Representation of People and Place’.
“The unit is designed to develop student skills in discussing how representation is achieved in a number of texts, including traditional works by authors like Henry Lawson.
“But to generate and maintain student interest in the important issues in their world, we invited Frank Doolan in to discuss his written work, contained in the compilation ‘A Shed Load of Stories’.”
Ms Ward said Frank’s discussion resonated with students, with many opting to use his story in an upcoming essay.
It also gave the students an opportunity to get an insight into traditional Aboriginal techniques pertaining to education
“Frank’s writing features themes including the importance of compassion and treating people with kindness, as well as exploring the deep connection and spiritual peace that belonging to the land can provide,” she said.
“The yarn-up gave students the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their ideas prior to writing their essay.
“Frank was a gracious and engaging speaker, responding with honesty and sincerity to all students’ questions.
“A myriad of issues came under scrutiny during the discussion including the importance of making reconciliation between black and white Australia a part of daily life, as well as the importance of adult role models in the lives of young people.”
Ms Ward said the Year 10 students appreciated Frank’s kindness, with the cohort planning to print a selection of student essays based on responses to his story.
She said Year 10 intended to present the publication to ‘Riverbank’ Frank as a token of thanks.
“As Frank often says ‘the future of this country is bright in the hands of our young generation’,” Ms Ward said.
“Hopefully the vibrant and important conversations conducted during this yarn helped strengthen the resolve of our Year 10 students to make their world and that of others a better place.”