Lessons in literacy, art, and culture

North Cottesloe Primary School students have illustrated a book to learn about local Indigenous culture.

The book, Kadjil, tells the story of the magical Crowman of Mudurup Rocks in Cottesloe and was written by Dr Barb Dobson and Ken Macintyre.

As part of the project, artist Josephine Johnson from Curtin University’s Artists-in-Residence program visited the school to teach students about painting local flora and fauna.

Students also attended an excursion to Mudurup Rocks where they heard from Dr Margaret Gidgup who shared her family's stories of Kadjil the Crowman and taught students about the importance of caring for Country.

North Cottesloe Primary School art specialist teacher Stephanie Matthews said students learnt about a range of subjects while illustrating the story.

“Not only did students learn skills in painting and drawing, but they also learnt about the significance of an Indigenous site in their own backyard and the importance of sharing the stories associated with it,” she said.

“Having experts in the field of arts, science, anthropology, and literacy work with the students on an authentic, real-world project expanded their learning beyond the classroom.

“A project such as this allows children to work in a collaborative team and to be involved in a project that has a reach bigger than the classroom or school.”

The project was completed in collaboration with Curtin University’s Artists-in-Residence program and Little Scribe.

The book was dedicated to Dr Margaret Gidjup and family, as well as Noongar Elders who contributed to the story.

To read the book online click here.