We are committed to closing the achievement gap for Aboriginal students. We know that we need to learn about, nurture and value the cultural identity of our Aboriginal students in order to assist them to be successful learners.
We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family members, parents and community members to our school so that we can get to know each other, learn about the local Aboriginal community and develop shared goals and plans for Aboriginal students.
We encourage Aboriginal students to learn how to negotiate and develop strategies by providing unique leadership opportunities.
The Entrance Campus is continuously striving to better the support we provide to our Aboriginal students academically, socially, emotionally and culturally. In addition to the support that is available for every student at The Entrance Campus we provide;
- Individual Sponsorship Tutoring for ATSI students (previously known as Norta Norta tutoring). We have a tutor employed each Thursday and Friday working from the Aboriginal Student Resource Room. We also have six tutors employed every Monday and Thursday afternoon from 2pm in the Library.
- Aboriginal Student PLP Mentoring Program so that every Aboriginal student has an individual personalised learning pathway and a mentor to help them achieve their goals.
- Our Aboriginal Student Resource Room has laptop stations, IPads, a kitchenette stocked with tea/coffee and breakfast/lunch items, artefact kit, text books, comfortable seating area and up to date information boards.
- Campus Aboriginal Education Coordinator employed three days per week.
- TEC ATSI Yarning FaceBook page to strengthen communication channels.
- Aboriginal Student Leadership Roll Call Groups to help build a sense of community and belonging amongst our students. Also allows our teaching staff, tutors and Aboriginal Education Coordinator to meet with students each morning to coordinate tutoring, promote programs and excursions etc.
- Aunty Kirsten Booker employed 1-2 days per week to support students.
- A strong working partnership with Kuriwa Local AECG and a signed Partnership Agreement.
- Various programs throughout the year such as NRL School to Work Program that supports students to transition from school into tertiary study or employment.
- Deadly Dreaming Motivational Speaking Program to inspire our students to strive for their goals.
- Strong partnerships with Universities and TAFE Aboriginal Learning Circle. The Entrance Campus offers opportunities to attend Indigenous Open Days to many universities each year. Presentations by universities are held on campus and comprehensive support is provided to students when they apply for various Indigenous alternative entry pathways to universities.
- School assemblies that celebrate and recognise our student's achievements and culture. For example our Aboriginal Education Awards Ceremony, Reconciliation Assembly, NAIDOC events, GulangFest Message Stick Ceremony.
- Outstanding involvement in GulangFest from performing, hosting, working lighting and sound and back stage crew.
- College and Campus cultural and leadership experiences. For example TLSC Cultural Leadership Workshops, Cultural Dance Workshops, SistaSpeak, BroSpeak and Central Coast Showcase.
- Financial support to assist students purchase school uniforms, course fees, course and leadership excursions, breakfast and lunch supplies, loans of laptop computers etc.
- Indoor and outdoor learning spaces designed to promote Aboriginal culture. For example Library Area Two, Yarning Circle and Bush Tucker Garden, Aboriginal Student Resource Room, Petroglyph Site and numerous murals around the campus.
- Strong student enrolment in the Aboriginal Studies Preliminary and HSC course.
- Offer, promote and support students with Indigenous School Based Traineeships.
- Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Junior AECG. Any Aboriginal student can become a member and the Junior Executive positions are peer elected each year.
- Various Indigenous sporting opportunities. The Entrance Campus is proud to have won the 2015 NAIDOC Cup in Rugby League.
- Work in partnership with outside health and welfare services such as Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre services and Uniting Care Doorways Program.