Ashfield and Bundeena Public Schools conducted an anti-racism project aimed at developing understanding about Australia’s cultural diversity and intercultural communication skills.
The program included an exchange of letters between “buddies” followed by reciprocal school visits during which friendship groups engaged in structured activities which explored culture, language and intercultural understanding. The activities integrated work undertaken in Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) before and after the visits.
Ashfield Public School is located in Sydney’s inner western suburbs adjacent to a shopping precinct which exhibits the features of the suburb’s diversity. About 90% of students are from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Bundeena Public School is located to the south of Sydney. Bundeena can be reached by ferry from Cronulla or by road through the national park which surrounds the township. A relatively small number of students are from non-English speaking backgrounds.