WA Education Awards finalists: Excellence in cultural responsiveness

Four public schools have been acknowledged in the WA Education Awards for their approach to cultural responsiveness.

Bannister Creek Primary School, Rangeway Primary School, Neerigen Brook Primary School, and Sevenoaks Senior College are all finalists in the excellence for cultural responsiveness category.  

This award recognises schools that lead the whole school community in strengthening their knowledge, understanding and respect for Aboriginal histories, cultures and languages. 

The winner will be announced at an award presentation event on Monday 11 November. 

Here’s more about our four finalists. 

Bannister Creek Primary School 

Over the past three years, the school has built strong connections between students, families, staff, and the Aboriginal community through establishing an Aboriginal Parent liaison group called Baldja Waangkiny (‘Talking Strong Together’).  

Led by parents and Aboriginal leaders, the group has helped guide important cultural activities like Sorry Day, Reconciliation Action Week, and the Culturally Responsive Futures (CRF) project, while also working with local groups on environmental conservation projects. 

Wayne MacNamara, the school's Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO), leads cultural projects, supports students and families, and drives the CRF project with students.  

The school encourages Aboriginal leadership, provides cultural training for staff, and works on projects like the Moort Boodja outdoor classroom. Bannister Creek PS also intends to offer Noongar language lessons to students as well as the community in the near future. 

Rangeway Primary School 

Located in Geraldton, the school has made notable strides by partnering with the community and the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Centre, who hold a weekly clinic on the school grounds. 

This year, in an agreement with the EON Foundation, the school has started an edible garden on school grounds. The garden is used to teach students about healthy living, as well as provide produce for students and their families. 

To support students and families, RPS provides resources and has expanded its Aboriginal workforce. The school has also improved teaching quality and cultural awareness, using student feedback to tailor their strategies. Their culturally responsive ‘Joeys’ program for three-year-olds has boosted enrolments and attendance by supporting smooth transitions to school. 

The school’s Aboriginal Education Team has worked to developed whole school strategies to support a culturally responsive culture and influenced classroom and curriculum discussions to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives. The result of this work are the school’s Learning on Country program, Sports Academy, Wajarri language revival program, and collaboration with staff on individual cultural approaches for students. 

Neerigen Brook Primary School 

Neerigen Brook Primary School is committed to fostering a culturally safe environment and supporting reconciliation efforts. 

One of its key initiatives is the Deadly Deeds and Dardy Dreams (DDDD) program, which provides culturally relevant learning experiences, such as bush walks to significant Noongar sites and art lessons with local elders. The program also focuses on mental health, incorporating activities like mindfulness, didgeridoo lessons, as well as providing cultural professional learning for staff. 

Another important program at NBPS is the Yarning Circle, which was designed to reflect the Waakarl (Spirit snake), a creation figure central to Noongar culture. This outdoor space is used for restorative conversations, self-regulation, and cultural learning, providing a welcoming entry point for the school community.  

The school also maintains strong ties with the local Champion Centre, with regular visits from its Aboriginal Children and Families Officer to teach cultural traditions such as didgeridoo playing and traditional dancing. This partnership helps deepen students' connection to cultural heritage while fostering pride in Aboriginal identities. 

Sevenoaks Senior College 

Sevenoaks Senior College offers a variety of programs aimed at promoting cultural responsiveness and empowering Aboriginal students.  

One of the most significant programs is Follow the Dream, which supports Aboriginal students in completing their Year 12 education. This program has contributed to a high success rate, with 183 students graduating over the past 23 years. The program’s coordinator played a crucial role in the college winning the 2024 NAIDOC Best Program Award, demonstrating the school's commitment to culturally responsive education and student achievement. 

Another key initiative is the presence of an Elder in Residence, whose role is deeply integrated into the life of the college, providing guidance and cultural wisdom to both students and staff. This position ensures that Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing are respected and passed on intergenerationally.  

Additionally, the college collaborates with local Aboriginal organisations, such as hosting the Langford Aboriginal Association. This partnership provides students with culturally relevant learning opportunities, further enriching their connection to their heritage and identity.