Singleton Public School’s (SPS) successful Norta Norta program finally has a home.
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Students are now using the space that was known as the ‘connected classroom’ for their targeted Wednesday tutoring sessions aimed at supporting Aboriginal students in literacy and numeracy.
It will also be used as a meeting place for the school’s cultural group.
SPS created an Aboriginal Education Team in 2013 and since then they have been committed to closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal student achievements.
Creating an indigenous outdoor learning area, planning annual cultural excursions and working with Ungooroo to provide health screens at school, are just some of the initiatives the team has undertaken during this time.
But as the project gained momentum it became apparent a multi-purpose dedicated cultural space within the school was needed.
Norta Norta teacher Lucy Parker says working with the students in smaller groups, and one-on-one, has translated to improved results.
“It is great being able to focus on their individual needs,” she says.
Miss Parker also enjoys facilitating the cultural group each Friday.
About 55 children from Kindergarten to Year 6 take part in the regular activities and they are currently preparing artwork to enter into the annual NAIDOC week art competition.
At this stage they have drafted their designs and painting them onto a canvas is the next task.