Experiencing success

A pre-service teacher at an Alice Springs primary school explores some of the challenges for teachers in supporting Aboriginal students who may previously not have experienced success in their learning, or, may not yet be aware of what successful learning is like. In exploring some of the issues for schools and teachers, she reflects on the importance of building relationships and trust with communities, of using available expertise and networks, and of taking advantage of relevant professional learning opportunities.

Ross Park is the oldest government primary school in Alice Springs. It has almost 400 students of which 25 per cent are Indigenous. At the school, a pre-service teacher from Charles Darwin University is in her final round of teaching practice. The teacher brings to her practice a family tradition of teaching in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory as well as prior experience as an Aboriginal education bilingual worker in a local primary school.