Galiwin’ku celebrates 50 years of bilingual education

By PETER ROWE

The remote community of Galiwin’ku in north-east Arnhem Land has celebrated 50 years of bilingual education at Shepherdson College.

The NT government’s Bilingual ‘two-way’ education program delivers a bilingual, culturally and linguistically responsive approach to teaching and learning.

It recognises the importance of Yolngu culture and the ability for students to learn in their own language.

Funding for the program supports Shepherdson College, one of nine schools across the NT delivering bilingual programs, to implement local language and culture, integrating it into all subject areas.

Literacy, numeracy, science lessons as well as Learning on Country programs are taught in local Yolngu language and English by the College’s Yolngu speaking teachers, who were all educated at Shepherdson College.

The college celebrated the milestone with exhibitions, classroom viewings and an official ceremony attended by the Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey.

“The Territory’s bilingual schools are a unique part of our education system, and it was great to see this strong partnership in action at this incredible milestone,” Minister Hersey said.

“The fact that Shepherdson College program has been operating for 50 years speaks to the enduring relationship between local linguists, English education and the Galiwinku community.

“I congratulate the school on this amazing achievement, and it was a delight to join in the celebration.”

Under the new Better Fairer Schools Agreement, remote schools will be able to expand on existing bilingual programs with funding for all existing positions in bilingual programs to continue.

The additional funding for remote schools under the new agreement will also mean schools who do not currently have bilingual learning can introduce new programs if they choose to, allowing schools to encourage more remote students to attend and stay in school.