The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is Reconciliation NSW’s annual art and writing program for young people in NSW and the ACT.
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge website contains information on this year’s theme, how to register and participate in the Challenge. You may contact Reconciliation NSW via email at schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au or phone 02 8095 9600.
This year the Schools Reconciliation Challenge officially begins on March 2 and we will be accepting art and writing submissions until 25 September 2020. However, we encourage students and teachers to engage with the resources and activities provided on our website throughout the year.
In 2020 the Schools Reconciliation Challenge exhibitions will be hosted in a new format and will include local school based exhibitions as part of the new program. Stay tuned for more information. The 2019 Schools Reconciliation Challenge Exhibition – Speaking and Listening from the Heart will tour Regional NSW when COVID-19 laws change. To stay up to date on all Reconciliation NSW events and activities you can join us as a member or check us out on social media.
The theme for the 2020 Schools Reconciliation Challenge is Caring for Country.
In Australia, First Nations Peoples have cared for Country for over 120,000 years, maintaining Country by using a wide range of strategies, knowledges and technologies to manage land, water and resources to ensure that Country is cared for now and for generations to come.
When we use the term ‘Country’ we are referring to the specific areas of land, sea and sky with which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities have a custodial, cultural and spiritual relationship.
www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au/explore-2020-theme
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is open to all young people in years 3-10 (or equivalent ages), Indigenous and non-Indigenous, of all abilities. Young people may enter the Schools Reconciliation Challenge through their school or independently.
Register your school for the 2020 Schools Reconciliation Challenge by emailing schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au or visit www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au/register for more details.
In 2017, the Reconciliation NSW launched the Schools Reconciliation Website, which has replaced the hard copy version of the Teaching kit. Access the online Teaching kit at www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge covers BOSTES curriculum outcomes relating to English, History and Visual Arts for stages 3, 4 and 5. For further information about the Curriculum Outcomes for the Schools Reconciliation Challenge please visit at www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au/nsw-curriculum
Artworks and short stories created for the Schools Reconciliation Challenge are to be submitted by 25 September 2020. Writing and artwork submissions must be original creative pieces that relate to the 2020 theme Caring for Country and explore reconciliation more broadly. Entry requirements:
Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.
Yes, students may choose to create artworks or stories or both. Please note that if students choose to submit both an artwork and story they will need to complete an artists and writers statement for each of their entries.
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards NSW (BOSTES) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: 02 8095 9600
16 Eveleigh Street Redfern 2016
