Cabramatta High’s Korean exchange
In 2011 students and teachers at Cabramatta High began an international exchange program with Jeju Seo Middle School, Korea. Students and teachers speak for themselves about the benefits of the program.
In 2011 students and teachers at Cabramatta High began an international exchange program with Jeju Seo Middle School, Korea. Students and teachers speak for themselves about the benefits of the program.
The exchange began as a response to the unrest experienced in Cronulla during December 2005. Students from both schools felt they were being misrepresented in the media and wanted to change perceptions and break down the stereotypes. As a result of this program, the very negative events at Cronulla have led to a number of very positive outcomes for students.
In May 2007, 15 students from Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre (IEC) travelled to Coonabarabran to meet local students and the local Gamilaraay elders. This is one of many exchanges involving the schools. The exchange began with Coonabrabran High School’s Aboriginal dance group welcoming Beverly Hills visitors with a traditional dance. Beverly Hills IEC students reciprocated with a tribal drum performance.
Wollumbin High School is not new to cultural exchange. Recently, it extended its exchange program overseas to Korea. In this exchange, Wollumbin High School forms a sister school relationship with Jijok Middle School in Korea. The aim of the program is to strengthen the language skills and cultural understanding of students.
On Tuesday 16th May 2006, 15 students, three staff members, a parent and a community information officer made their way from Beverly Hills in south western Sydney to the airport to begin a four day visit to the Tweed Region of northern New South Wales.
West Wyalong High School continues to exchange with Campbelltown Performing Arts High School in a program that has been continuing since 2006. As a part of this exchange, students from the schools hold demonstrations, seminars and discussions on various topics including culture and tolerance and come together at one another’s schools to participate in joint activities.
In the History classroom at Evans IEC, two friends were re-united. The last time they had seen each other, they were in the sprawling refugee camp of Kakuma in Kenya. Before this exchange program, they had no idea what part of the world their friend had ended up in!
Teacher-Librarian, Cecilie Yates has been the driving force behind this successful program over the years. Ms Yates says: “The program is broad and diverse and combines environmental education, values education, Discovering Democracy and leadership programs as well as Aboriginal and multicultural education. Students explore various issues through the arts, sport and other areas of interest.”
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 for 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.
When the City of Blacktown formed a sister council relationship with Liverpool Plains Council, both councils were keen to create links between schools in their local government areas. Mitchell High School already had a number of sister school links overseas (with schools in the USA, Germany, Japan, China and Switzerland) and was keen for their students to gain an understanding of life in country NSW. It formed a cultural exchange partnership with Quirindi High School and Blacktown and Liverpool Plains Councils provided funding for the program.
Students worked together to create posters and advertisements highlighting working together as Australians to “make a difference” in our communities. They presented work which celebrated their achievements. This group has worked together for two years and has made lifelong friendships.
This exchange was a Studies of Religion inter-faith project aimed at developing understanding about Christianity and Islam. In this project, senior students from a St Josephs College and Wiley Park Girls High School came together to learn about each others’ religions and cultures.
Blacktown Boys High School and Bundarra Central School conducted a rural / urban exchange aimed at developing students’ understanding of cultural diversity and rural life. Learning activities included in this cultural exchange program included school visits, art and music workshops, local culture and history, arts and crafts and email exchanges.
Major highlights of the day included a presentation led by teachers and students on a joint harmony project involving eight government and non-government primary schools and a panel discussion facilitated by acclaimed children’s author Nadia Wheatley on the cultural experiences of students and teachers. Performances by the Wiley Park Public School choir and students from Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre inspired the audience.
In this program, around 150 Jewish, Muslim, Armenian, and Catholic students from four north shore schools came together at the Galstaun College in Ingleside for an innovative three-part intercultural program titled “Respect, Understanding and Acceptance”. Devised by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Education Secretariat, the program brings together students from the Galstaun Armenian College, Masada College (a Jewish school), the Australian Islamic College of Sydney and St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly.