https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abaz_BYlqmk&t=12s
Yuendumu School’s Learning In Country program (LinC) or Pina-jarri kalu Ngurraraku, is a community led learning program, designed by our elders, that ensures all students in our school experience learning that is strong in Warlpiri language and culture. At the core of our program are bush trips outside of Yuendumu community where students can learn country, under the guidance of Warlpiri educators.
LinC trips are planned by teaching teams using the Warlpiri Knowledge Cycle and the NT Indigenous Languages and Cultures curriculum. The learning students experience on LinC trips strengthens their sense of identity and deepens their connection to country, as well as to their educators and classmates. These shared experiences become a foundation for learning back in the classroom, bringing subjects like Maths, Science, Geography, The Arts and English, to life for our students.
Our program is directed by LinC’s Senior Warlpiri Educators (SWEs), who guide us in Warlpiri ways of learning. They are passionate about giving students access, through their schooling, to the knowledge and skills held by their families. Encouraging them to be active learners on the land, to listen to its stories, and to bring that strength back into the classroom.
Why Learning “In” Country?
We’ve called this program Learning In Country to show what Country really means to us. Country is not just the ground under our feet, it is above us, below us and all around us. It is the trees, the birds, the stories in the sky and the history in the land. So, much like in a classroom where the learning is all over the walls, even on the floor and hanging from the roof, when kids step out of the bus on a LinC excursion, they are In Country and learning opportunities are everywhere.
Yuendumu School Values
Yulkanjaku
Yulkanjaku– We care for each other and for Country. We give our time and energy, bringing kindness into everything we do.
Pukurl-Pukurlpa
Pukurl-Pukurlpa– We are proud of our family, our people, and our Country. We are proud of who we are and our ever-shifting roles as life long learners.
Jintangka
Jintangka– Everything is interconnected- people and Country. We do things together, help one another, and keep our hearts and minds open. We live within our Country, and our Country lives within us.
What we want for our school and children
Our vision is for Yuendumu School students to regularly learn Warlpiri language and culture, from Warlpiri educators, throughout Warlpiri country AND that these In Country experiences are foundational to classroom work from across the curriculum.
