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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

7–10Aboriginal Studies 7–10 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Stage 5

Aboriginal self-determination and autonomy (core)
Key concepts of human rights, self-determination and autonomy
  • Key aspects of human rights including cultural, political and collective

  • Significance and use of key terms and concepts, including self-determination, autonomy, terra nullius, land rights, native title, human rights, social justice and equity

Denial of human rights
  • The impact of denial of human rights on Aboriginal Peoples and on Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including land dispossession, massacres and genocide

  • Responses by Aboriginal Peoples, non-Aboriginal people and the wider Australian community to the denial of human rights to Aboriginal Peoples and to Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Human rights, self-determination and autonomy
  • The relationship and importance of human rights to Aboriginal Peoples' self-determination and autonomy

  • Ways in which Aboriginal Peoples exercise their autonomy, and the influence on Cultural expression

  • The importance and impact of Aboriginal Peoples' demands for self-determination

Lands and waterways, economic independence and self-determination
  • Importance and use of the terms ‘land rights’ and ‘native title’

  • Impact of the Mabo v Queensland (No 2) [1992] decision and changes to legislation

  • Importance of ownership and access to lands, sea and waterways to self-determination, autonomy and economic independence of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Case study
  • Investigate the activities of individuals, organisations and movements that have advocated for Aboriginal Peoples' autonomy

  • Communicate ideas about activities of individuals, organisations and movements that have advocated for Aboriginal Peoples' autonomy

  • Create written texts to examine significant individuals, organisations or movements involved in progress towards self-determination

  • Use subject-specific terminology to communicate concepts of Aboriginal self-determination and autonomy

  • Apply ethical research skills, including consultation protocols, to work effectively with Aboriginal Peoples and Communities

  • Demonstrate understanding of ethical responsibilities surrounding Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)

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