Aboriginal education at Hunter River High School

The Cultural Room at Hunter River High School is a welcoming learning space that supports the academic, cultural, social and wellbeing needs of all students, with a strong focus on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Our Cultural Team—including an Aboriginal Education Officer, Aboriginal Student Learning and Support Officers, and a Community Elder—works with students using a strength-based approach built on high expectations, strong relationships and authentic learning experiences.

The team delivers a range of programs focused on cultural enrichment, identity, literacy, numeracy, health and career pathways, including the WongaGee Dance Group, Diyagan Girls Group, Bumbat Boys Group, NRL School to Work, and In League in Harmony.

Students also enjoy two landscaped Outdoor Learning Areas, featuring yarning and dancing circles, a bush tucker garden and cooking spaces.

The school’s Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (JAECG) provides student leadership opportunities, while our staff are committed to incorporating Our Ways of Learning across classrooms.

Through these initiatives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at HRHS are supported to strengthen their culture, build confidence and achieve academic success.

Hunter River Clontarf Academy

The Clontarf Foundation, established in 2000 at Clontarf Aboriginal College in Perth, supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to improve school attendance, retention and completion rates. Using the power of sport, leadership and mentoring, Clontarf engages students in education while building values, skills and confidence to support success beyond school.

The Hunter River Clontarf Academy, established in 2019, is based on campus with a dedicated Academy Room providing a safe and supportive space for students. The Academy is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male students at Hunter River High School.