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.
Students at a single teacher school on the NSW North Coast exchange with students at a large urban Sydney school. The cultural exchange program involving Byabarra and Parklea Public Schools has been in operation for several years. The aim of the program is to assist students to explore the many lifestyles that make up contemporary Australia and to come to appreciate Australian cultural diversity.
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!
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.
The Berala/Grays Point cultural exchange program involved students in Years 3 and 4. Its focus was on exploring the diversity of Australia and Australian identities and on the common values that we all share. Students from Grays Point travelled by bus to Berala Public School to meet and participate in a day of activities designed to explore and celebrate cultural diversity. Before the visit, students had written to each other and shared information about themselves, their likes and their different school and family experiences. Berala students had also previously visited Grays Point Public School, where together students from the two schools went to the Royal National Park; experienced aspects of Aboriginal culture; and learnt about local animal life.
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.
Campsie and Delungra Public Schools conducted a country/city exchange aimed at developing understanding between students from different geographical and cultural backgrounds.
Learning activities included school visits, sports activities, local culture and history, arts and crafts and email exchanges.