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
The Lifelong Learning Healthy Beginnings Curriculum emphasizes the establishment of secure attachments and positive relationships between babies and educators through the use of the Circle of Security and learning zones focused on play schemas that support babies physical and intellectual development.
Early Experiences
The Lifelong Learning Early Experiences Curriculum emphasizes the development of Toddlers’ language and social development using the Abecedarian approach within our intentional learning zones focused on play schemas that support toddlers' physical and intellectual development.
School Readiness
We use Project-based learning, appropriate technology and enrichment programs to spark the best experiences. The Lifelong Learning: School Readiness Curriculum emphasizes enquiry-based projects and foundation academic skills to support children’s development of key 21st-century school readiness.