A study of indigenous societies introduces the 13-year-old to the spiritual/cultural relations of the human being and the environment. The Main Lesson “Lands and Peoples” lays the foundation for students to recognise the inter-relationships and interdependence of humankind and the natural world. This leads the student outwards, away from self-centeredness, to begin the process of awakening our responsibility to the Earth which sustains us. It also calls on human beings to develop a deeper sense of brotherhood and an increased sense of social responsibility.  SEA Curriculum

Class 7 have been exploring the concept of ‘Worldviews’. To begin with, we had a marvellous class discussion about cultural contrast and brainstormed all the different ways which human cultures could be different to one another. After this came a process of reflection upon our own culture where we tried to answer the questions – what is important to me, my family and my society? After working out a way to distil these values, the Class compared and contrasted our own worldview with that of various indigenous societies around the world. Central to this process was understanding the inherent connection of indigenous culture with land. The topics of mapping, global positioning and climate zones were weaved into this week of discovery and discussion and at the end the class was given its research project to begin over the holidays.

As a part of the Main Lesson, we were lucky enough to have a family from Tonga visit the class. Sione, his wife and baby daughter brought along costumes and artifacts from their island, and shared stories about their history and way of life. The students were enthralled and touched by the strength of Sione’s passion for his land and people. We all felt a sense of connection with Tonga by the end and our imagination had been filled with pictures of his island life. A quick instruction in a Tongan dance reinforced our new connection all too soon it was recess and time to say goodbye.

After the break came a week of furious activity as the students researched and prepared their presentation on a chosen indigenous culture. Part of this was looking into the food and traditional dress, which they re-created and shared as a part of their presentations in Week 3. Not all ingredients were able to be found in their original forms, but the result was none-the-less enlightening and delicious!