Schools Showcase
 Marian
College
"Where girls reach their best"
Contact: Pat Hallinan
Address: Glengala Rd
West Sunshine
VIC, Australia, 3021
Phone: (03) 9363 1711
Fax: (03) 9363 2386
Email:
principal@marian.melb.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.marian.catholic.edu.au
Marian College is a Catholic Secondary School for girls run by
the Brigidine
Sisters. It is located in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.
Using Lore of the Land
Year 10 Religious Education: Aboriginal Spirituality - New Understanding,
New Learning
In Year 10 Religious Education we explore the traditions,
values and beliefs of various religions. In our unit on Aboriginal
Spirituality we used for the first time a new program called 'Lore
of the Land'. This is an interactive CD Rom where students through
the use of a computer network, experience in exciting, engaging
ways, the essence of what it means to be Aboriginal.
Through song, video, interviews with many Aboriginal
people from different communities, photographic journeys, narrative
and games, students embark on an individual journey of discovery.
As they move through each 'sequence' of the journey
they explore aspects of sacredness, indigenous culture including
time, place and law as well as land issues. Students express their
own understandings and insights in the form a journal (either written
or on hard drive) which becomes their assessment requirement.
Responses from students after using 'Lore of the
Land':
The Aboriginal culture is now relevant to me. Actually experiencing
their own thoughts and beliefs through using 'Lore of the Land'
made me realise the importance and sacredness of the land to Aboriginal
people by listening to their stories and beliefs.
Angela P.
By working through this CD Rom I have learnt a lot about the Aboriginal
culture and their way of life. The different areas that were covered
really expanded my knowledge of how different cultures come together
and celebrate different events with family members and the way knowledge
is imparted through generations.
There were different ways of learning through this CDRom. I could
actually watch and listen to people talking about their personal
experiences.
Angelica P.
'Lore of the Land' was a learning experience for me. I never knew
how important the Aboriginal culture was to Australia but after
completing 'Lore of the Land' I knew it had a great relevance as
to 'who we are' and 'who makes up' Australia. I learnt how important
it is to respect each others beliefs and opinions and that there
are many different traditions and experiences in the Aboriginal
community.I learnt it by focusing and being open minded and respecting
the views of the Aboriginal people. It was great.
Kerry K.
'The Lore of the Land' helped me experience Aboriginal belief and
way of life. The Aboriginal people taught me about what it was like
for them in the past through songs. They showed paintings that were
sacred to them and explained what they meant. The bit that appealed
to me most were the songs they wrote, their families and the stories
of pain as well as happiness.
Amanda M.
'The Lore of the Land' was a great way to learn about Aboriginal
Spirituality. The different sequences contained audio, video and
photos of sacred Aboriginal sites and stories. We focused on two
communities - Gunditjmara and Kutjungka. We learnt their Dreaming
stories, history, customs and saw some of their paintings. Through
'Lore of the Land' I have a better understanding of Aboriginal Spirituality
and now respect and appreciate their connection with the land.
Kylie G.
After journeying through the incredible experience of 'Lore of
the Land', my eyes have been opened to many, otherwise, unexplored
aspects of Aboriginal spirituality. I have learnt, seen, listened
to and experienced the quest for racial equality, Aboriginal culture,
paintings, different communities and interpretations of the Dreaming,
via in depth interviews, videos, pictures and reflective walks through
the Australian outback. I have gained a great understanding about
the deep connection that Aboriginal people have with the land and
what forms the unique and sacred Aboriginal perspective. A specific
section that really interested me was the indigenous culture section
which took you on a descriptive visual journey through the stories
of the Kutjungka and Gunditjmara communities.
Marie B.
While exploring 'Lore of the Land', I personally experienced and
discovered more about the Aboriginal ways of life, as well as becoming
more educated on how the Aboriginal people view things that happen
in life. This has led me to respect the land and their ways of life
even more. Now that I know how they see the land and all the things
in it, I take time to respect the land and take care of all the
things around me, while respecting the culture and background of
all Aboriginal people.
Bianca M.
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