About the Schools Reconciliation Challenge

What is the Schools Reconciliation Challenge?

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is Reconciliation NSW’s annual art and writing program for young people in NSW and the ACT.

How do I find out more about this year’s Schools Reconciliation Challenge?

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.

Key Dates

When is the Schools Reconciliation Challenge?

This year the Schools Reconciliation Challenge officially begins on 11 March and we will be accepting art and writing submissions until 2 September 2022. However, we encourage students and teachers to engage with the Resources and Activities provided on our website throughout the year.

When will the Schools Reconciliation Challenge Exhibition be held?

Stay tuned for more information for 2022 exhibitions. The 2020 Schools Reconciliation Challenge Exhibition – Caring for Country – will be touring Regional NSW in 2022. 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.

Theme

What is the theme for 2022?

The theme for the 2022 Schools Reconciliation Challenge is From River to Sea: Our Island Home. 

Explore the 2021 theme

Registration and Participation

Who can participate?

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.

How do I register my school?

Register your school for the 2022 Schools Reconciliation Challenge by emailing schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au or visit www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au/register for more details.

How do we get started?

1. Begin with Explore 2022 theme From River to Sea: Our Island Home and follow the session guides to inform your lessons about reconciliation and this year’s theme.
2. Then do the activities in Create Art and/or Create Writing. Use these lessons to assist and inspire students to develop original artworks or stories which reflect their ideas about reconciliation and the theme From River to Sea: Our Island Home. 
3. Submit artworks and stories by 2 September 2022 via the online submissions portal. Each entry must have a completed Entry Form attached.

Teaching Kit and Resources

How do I access a hard copy of the Teaching Kit?

In 2017, the Reconciliation NSW launched the Schools Reconciliation Challenge website, which has replaced the hard copy version of the Teaching kit. Visit www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au

How do I find out which curriculum outcomes the Schools Reconciliation Challenge covers/addresses?

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

Submissions

How do I submit entries?

Artworks and short stories created for the Schools Reconciliation Challenge are to be submitted by 2 September 2022. Writing and artwork submissions must be original creative pieces that relate to the 2022 theme From River to Sea: Our Island Home and explore reconciliation more broadly. Entry requirements:

• Artworks (2D or digital) must be a maximum size of A1 and accompanied by an Artist Statement
• Writing must be a maximum of 500 words and must be accompanied by a Writer Reflection.

Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.

Can students submit both art and writing?

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.