Engadine High School in the Sutherland Shire and Birrong Girls High School in south western Sydney have been exchanging since 2005.
When Birrong Girls and Engadine High Schools first began their cultural exchange program, teachers used games of soccer, drama activities and other ice breaker activities to initiate trust between the students and provide ways forĀ them to connect. Since then, students have hosted their own school events and have strengthened friendships through the use of email, SMS and mobile phones.
The cultural exchange programĀ has been aĀ focus for many learning experiences undertaken by students.Ā As a part of the ongoing program, teachers at both schools have engaged speakers and events to provide the widest possible learning opportunities for their students.
Examples of cultural exchange activities involving students at the schools have included:
- TheĀ National Parks Education CentreĀ provided lunch and students discussed a range of environmental issuesĀ with an education officer andĀ Aboriginal elder. A representative from the Bush Fire Brigade also spoke to students and a number of leadership and team building activities were conducted.
- A Cronulla BeachĀ Surf Life SavingĀ program.Ā Year 7 students enjoyed a day with the Cronulla Life Guards and participated in board skills, beach games and surf awareness.
- A Day in NSW Parliament House.Ā SRC members took a list of ten questions to ask a politician and touredĀ Parliament House. Politicians selected five of the ten questions to respond to in parliament while students looked on. Students were given five minutes inĀ Question timeĀ to discuss some of the issues raised. They broke into groups and discussed the politiciansā responses and the parliamentary proceedings.
- A visit byĀ Boori (Monty) Prior [PDF] to Engadine High School.Ā Boori spoke to students about his personal experiences andĀ challenges as an Aboriginal Australian.Ā OrangeĀ High SchoolĀ students also participated in this event.
- TheĀ Growing Peace Forum,Ā organised by theĀ Affinity Intercultural Foundation.Ā Engadine High School studentsĀ assisted in the forum by performing musical items and distributing food.
- AĀ FAIRĀ Racial Tolerance Leadership course.Ā Year 11 boys from Engadine High School learnt about alternatives to violence and anger management. As a follow up to this event, Year 7 and 8 students were involved in a youth weekend organised by FAIR.
- Enough is enoughĀ visit. Speakers fromĀ Enough is enoughĀ addressedĀ EngadineĀ High SchoolĀ students. In response, students raised awareness of refugee issues and money for local refugee studentsĀ through various events includingĀ Harmony DayĀ andĀ World Refugee Day.