School Programs

Young Achievers Club (YAC)

YAC is a FREE in-school culturally secure support program for primary schools, that focuses on cultural learning of the area with the aim to improve education outcomes and health and social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

We deliver cultural learning modules with the aim to foster cultural connection and create culturally safe and appropriate spaces using positive role models. This program is designed to be a tool for schools to use as a reward for good behaviour and for students continued attendance at school and just like any other excursion or incursion, students should be following school rules and policies to be allowed to participate in YAC.

We have previously delivered learning modules on the Nyoongar Six Seasons, Barna (animals), Ocean Animals, crafted a didgeridoo and a coolamon art pieces and cooked some bush tucker. During our sessions, students are also exposed to Traditional Indigenous Games. The students learn the name of the game, its history, who traditionally played it and then get to play it knowing it’s importance to Indigenous culture. These games are adapted to be suitable for children, and focus on resilience and leadership, and personal development and self-awareness.

At the IIWS we like to form strong relationships with the students that we work with in YAC. We try and help out with NAIDOC week where we can by helping cook BBQ’s or attending assemblies. We also like to attend school carnivals to watch students compete and attend assemblies where students are getting awards to show our support for their commitment to school.

The key outcomes for the program are:

Improvement of the health, social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous students engaged in the service.
Improvement of school attendance by providing cultural learning and positive Indigenous role models.
Increased engagement with Indigenous families and communities to engage with schools.

Cultural Connection Experiences

We also deliver cultural connection experiences to increase school attendance and family engagement.

We are able to organise a BBQ, morning or afternoon tea during normal YAC delivery sessions or run traditional Indigenous Games during NAIDOC week.

Alternatively, we are able to deliver professional services of a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony for the whole school!

At the end of the year, we arrange a Traditional Indigenous Games Carnival where a rotation of schools are invited to compete against each other. Awards are given to students who have displayed leadership and sportsmanlike conduct.

If your school is looking to provide this program to students, please reach out for more information!