Tiwi Islands Immersion
Learning through connectionA group of Year 6 boys and staff travelled to Bathurst Island, in the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin, recently, for the JS Indigenous Immersion tour.
BGS has a longtime connection with the Tiwi Islands and Pormpuraaw. Now in its 14th year, the program lends itself to deep learning amongst BGS students and their friends. This immersion experience enabled our boys to have a deeper understanding of community, country and culture.
It’s amazing how quickly students become acclimatised to the regular 37 degree days and the flow of Tiwi Island life. It’s certainly made easier by how friendly and welcoming everybody is.
The Year 6 Indigenous Immersion tour actually involves attending school, playing games, learning dances, cultural singing, and helping out with reading and numeracy lessons. The rest of the time, they immerse themselves, with visits to local elders and museums and galleries, swimming in creeks, fishing, and watching and playing local footy.
Despite the significant differences and challenges for students, the quality and genuineness of the interaction between young Australians of such diverse backgrounds and life experiences is heartening to witness.
All Prep to Year 6 boys will have the opportunity to hear the various stories and experiences from students who travelled, with another group of Year 6 boys heading to Pormpuraaw later in the term.
