Intercultural understanding and social justice are two key themes that have guided the Our World programs over the last 20 years. In year 10 students have the opportunity to connect with First Nations culture and history through an in-depth study that encourages them to recognise and value their own cultures, languages and beliefs, so they can better understand the importance of these for others. To help make connections between their own world and the world of others the class embarks on a 10-day Central Australia program that immerses students in Anangu culture at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and then onto one of three remote Aboriginal communities. In-community time is spent camped at the school building, making connections through recognition of commonalities and differences. This brings to life their study of culture and encourages critical thinking about contemporary social issues, ways to express empathy and demonstrate respect.
The VCE Unit 1 and 2 Global Politics subject continues with the Our World theme of ‘understanding social issues through experience’ by analysing political, social and economic forces that shape our world. We have developed a close relationship with communities in Vietnam, Cambodia and East Timor over the last 20 years and will continue to offer experiences of these countries for students electing Our World Global Politics. The program enables them to examine their place within the international community through considering the debate over the existence of the ‘global citizen’. The course has been adapted during the pandemic and is continuing to engage students in these contemporary global issues and connections to these countries ready for when we can resume international travel again. The trips to Vietnam, Cambodia and East Timor are designed to immerse students in the ‘real’ Southeast Asia, enabling greater understanding and empathy for people in these countries and around our globe. Students live and work for two weeks in one of these countries, which becomes the major focus of their study and research.
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