Students increase cultural understanding with numeracy and Knights
The University of Newcastle’s successful Aboriginal Numeracy Gala Day will return on Monday 1 July, engaging students across the region with an opportunity to combine numeracy, fun, sport and learning pathways.
The day also gives the University’s Education students a chance to put their cultural learning into practice while engaging with more than 150 Year 7 and 8 Aboriginal students from the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter and Port Stephens regions, as well as Narrabri.
When students study at the University of Newcastle they gain a deep cultural awareness, a commitment to social, ethical and sustainable practices and an eagerness to contribute to the community.
The University of Newcastle’s Cultural Capability Partner, Jake MacDonald, said the University is committed to all students graduating with knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, people and culture, as reflected in the Culturally Responsive Graduate Attribute.
“We are committed to every degree increasing the cultural knowledge and understanding of our students as part of our Indigenous commitment,” Mr MacDonald said.
“The numeracy gala day is all about building relationships, understanding diverse perspectives and giving our future teachers the skills they need when working with Aboriginal students.
“For our pre-service teachers, it is a day full of learning new ways to teaching numeracy skills innovatively.
“Students will learn and improve their numeracy skills using physical activity such as creating a team using the salary cap and calculating the angle of a conversion.
“But the highlight of the day would have to be the excitement the kids get when they step foot on to McDonald Jones Stadium, and even rub shoulders with some of the current NRL and NRLW Newcastle Knights players!”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Mark Hoffman, said the Numeracy Gala Day is a fantastic and fun opportunity for high school students but it’s also a valuable learning experience for the university students.
“We want each of our students to graduate with the skills that make them highly employable, and life-ready graduates. This includes ensuring our graduates are culturally responsive and understand their role in our regions, communities and society,” Professor Hoffman said.
“This is often best learnt outside the classroom and beyond the textbook, so by teaching our students to be culturally respectful and then giving them the opportunity to put those skill straight into practice, it provides them with really valuable experiences that they can take with them when they enter the workforce.”
As the number one University in Australia for Indigenous enrolments, the University is deeply committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, wellbeing and educational opportunities.
The Aboriginal Numeracy Gala Day will be held on Monday 1 July at McDonald Jones Stadium (294 Turton, Broadmeadow). The stadium will be open from 9am.
Contact
- Media and Communications Specialist - Melanie Sutton
- Phone: 0417 646 007
- Email: media@newcastle.edu.au
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.