We provide services to schools to enable:
- Staff to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners to reach their learning potential.
- All learners to understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
Aboriginal Education Services (AES) work within the Support and Development Division. AES develop strategies, resources, policies and guidelines. These support:
- Closing the Gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal learners
- The teaching of truth of Tasmania’s history to all learners.
Our work is guided by Tasmania’s Aboriginal Education Framework and acknowledges Tasmania’s unique socio-cultural context. It responds to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy.
- Tasmania’s Aboriginal Education Framework (PDF, 393KB)
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy (PDF, 1778KB)
Our team, work and structure
AES works within the Support and Development Division to advise on and develop Department for Education, Children and Young People strategies, policies and guidelines that are inclusive and that support closing the gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal students and the teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures across the curriculum.
AES provides a range of professional learning opportunities to support these goals.
Our diverse team is led by the Manager of AES who works alongside three Inclusive Curriculum Senior Curriculum Officers, a Teacher Librarian, an Inclusive Curriculum Project Officer, a Program Officer for Australian School-based Apprenticeships and the Administration Officers.
Aboriginal Early Years Education Workers (AEYEWs) are based in Child and Family Learning Centres (CFLCs) throughout the state. AEYEWs work closely with families of Aboriginal children from birth to five years of age to engage their children in a wide range of early years activities and programs. These programs nurture and stimulate young children’s learning and help children to become ready for school. AEYEWs play a key role in building connections between schools and families with young children.
AES employs Aboriginal Education Officers (AEOs) who work across schools across the state. They play an important role in schools for learners, teachers and the Aboriginal community. An understanding of local culture and strong community ties contribute to the improvement of educational outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners. AEOs support teachers and Aboriginal students in the areas of academic achievement, participation, attendance, retention, pathways and in developing a rich curriculum inclusive of Aboriginal histories and cultures across the curriculum.
AES supports schools to directly employ Aboriginal Education Workers (AEWs). AEWs work with school principals and teachers to support Aboriginal learners in the areas of engagement and participation. They also play a key role in providing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal people, community and culture within schools to promote better cultural understanding and supportive school environments.
The Orb
The Orb is a collection of online resources that assists the teaching of Tasmanian Aboriginal histories and cultures.
It is visual and suited to a range of learning styles. It embraces many Aboriginal ways of being, knowing, thinking, and doing.
The Living Cultures resources have many segments. Tasmanian Aboriginal people share their stories about Country, cultural resources and, practices.
Each section contains video clips and pages. These have either a quote, discussion questions, further information, or investigations. There are teaching materials to extend teacher and leader understanding of The Orb. This includes inquiry-based investigations and illustrations of practice.
Our Programs
Aboriginal Educators in Schools
The department employs:
- Aboriginal Education Officers (AEOs)
- Aboriginal Early Years Education Workers (AEYEWs)
- co-funds schools to hire Aboriginal Education Workers (AEWs).
AEOs, AEYEWs and AEWs support staff, students, and the Aboriginal community. They have an understanding of local culture and strong community ties. AEYEWs are in Child and Family Learning Centres or regional teams. They work with families of Aboriginal children from birth to five years of age. This work supports families to enhance their children’s learning.
AEOs and AEWs support teachers and Aboriginal students. They focus on the areas of wellbeing, access, participation and engagement. These transition points include pathways to post-school options. This contributes to a rich curriculum inclusive of Aboriginal content and perspectives.
Staff, please visit Aboriginal Education Services intranet site (staff only) for more information.
Aboriginal Education Services Library
The Library provides resources and information for the programs run by AES. Including knowledge from teachers and learners in schools throughout Tasmania. It has over 9000 items covering:
- Tasmanian Aboriginal resources – historical and contemporary
- Fiction
- Sets of readers that include Aboriginal perspectives and Aboriginal people
- Curriculum materials
- Literacy and numeracy testing tools.
Access the Library
You can search the Aboriginal Education Services Library Catalogue.
Contact
- We promote new resources and information in a regular email. If you would like to receive this email, please contact us.
- Phone: 03 616 55480
- Email: aboriginal.education.library@decyp.tas.gov.au
Term access
The Library is open from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm weekdays.
School holiday access
Please contact reception on 6165 5478 if you wish to visit during school holidays.
Video resources are available on the Aboriginal Education Services YouTube channel.
Aboriginal Education in Museums
Aboriginal Education Services work with local museums to provide Aboriginal educational programs.
- Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery – Aboriginal Culture Programs
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery – The First Tasmanians: Our Story
- Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place – Contact / Group Tour Bookings
Scholarships
Alma Lily Stackhouse Scholarship
The Alma Lily Stackhouse Scholarship launched in 2008. Aunty Alma saw the value of education for young Aboriginal people. The two year Scholarship provides support for Aboriginal students from rural/remote areas. Assisting students to gain their TCE and ATAR. This level of education allows entry to university or other tertiary-level study. Funds received cover costs inclusive of but not restricted to:
- Materials
- Equipment
- Travel
- Other costs of living.
Whilst enrolled in Years 11 and 12.
Lucy Beeton Aboriginal Teacher Scholarship
Lucy Beeton was the first Tasmanian Aboriginal teacher. A Scholarship in her name recognises Lucy’s achievements. Lucy was born on Gun Carriage Island in the Bass Strait in 1829. In 1871 she established a school in a tent on Badger Island. Lucy later lobbied government to fund a teacher.
Currently in Tasmania, Aboriginal teachers make up less than one per cent of teachers. Increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers is a priority. The Scholarship aims to provide a financial incentive. This provides opportunity for Aboriginal people to undertake a teaching qualification at University.
Contacts
30 Raminea Road, Lindisfarne 7015 (entrance via Brammall Street). Google Maps
Aboriginal Education Services
GPO Box 169
Hobart TAS 7001 Phone: 03 6165 5478
Email: aboriginal.education@decyp.tas.gov.au