Affinity Education Group has announced the latest addition to the Lifelong Learning Curriculum – a partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education to deliver purpose-built Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural education.
Dr Lesley Jones, Head of Education and Pedagogy, said the exciting partnership would give Affinity Education Group Educators and Teachers access to a high-quality platform to deliver immersive cultural experiences for children in Early Education.
"This will assist us in deepening educators and teachers understanding of our First Nations perspectives and culture," Dr Jones said. Among the resources to be provided through the new partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education are 30 purpose-built videos filmed on Country, which are accompanied by related classroom activities.
Brian Cook from Wandana Aboriginal Education said the entire Wandana Aboriginal Education team are thrilled to respectfully and mindfully support Affinity Education Group through their Lifelong Learning Curriculum across Australia.
"We greatly appreciate the guidance and support of our Aboriginal Elders and community leaders over many years and the opportunity to share some of their wisdom and insights to create a better future for everyone," Mr Cook said.
"We value every member of the Affinity Education Group community, especially the educators and teachers who will deliver this program, and we look forward to getting to know them and serve them into the future" he said.
To celebrate the new partnership, Wandana Aboriginal Education gifted Dr Lesley Jones with a painting titled 'The Journey' - a modern, contemporary piece that pays homage to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland and its local islands. The painting was created by Ms Gabby Collins, a proud Biripi Aboriginal woman, from Wandana Aboriginal Education.
"The small dotted waves in yellow and white which flow represent the many Affinity Education Group centres and their communities across Queensland. The large blue and white dotted circles represent our ancestors of the past, their connection to Country, spirituality and contribution to society over thousands of years," stated Ms Collins.
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Healthy Beginnings
Babies aged 0-1 years
Your baby will start their lifelong learning journey in a safe, nurturing environment. Educators will:
- Develop strong, positive bonds;
- Encourage confidence to explore new surroundings;
- Spark curiosity through sensory experiences; and
- Establish helpful routines that support health and wellbeing.
Early Experiences
Toddlers aged 1-3 years
Your toddler will enjoy an exciting environment in which to explore and experiment as their confidence and social skills emerge. Educators will:
- Introduce literacy and numeracy through learning games;
- Support self expression through language skills; and
- Develop social and friendship skills in group settings.
School Readiness
Children aged 3-5 years
Your child will be given the very best start before they begin Primary School where they will delve into enquiry based project work, and literacy and numeracy programs. Educators will:
- Guide self-awareness, self-help skills and socialisation;
- Investigate literacy, mathematics, science, technology and the arts;
- Stimulate creativity, deeper thinking and problem solving; and
- Prepare children for classroom environments through play-based preschool and kindergarten programs.