Limestone Coast Landscape Board creates successful educational program connecting Country and culture

Walking the Seasons is an educational program that was inspired by the region’s First Nations seasonal calendar. The program aims to help the Limestone Coast community connect with Country and culture across the landscape.

Educators and students at Grant High School have been involved with the pilot program for the past twelve months. With an emphasis on ecology and citizen science this program has a strong alignment to science curriculum providing teachers with the confidence to deliver content around First Nations perspectives in the classroom.

Vanessa Freebairn, Limestone Coast Landscape Board Education Coordinator said “It has been exciting watching this program evolve over the last twelve months. Working collaboratively with Grant High School educators to co-design this educational program that supports students to connect with Country and learn about local ecology has been a wonderful experience”. Students involved with the program have successfully gained a deeper understanding of culture and Country from local First Nations elders and experts through hands on experiences in our landscape.

Sarah McCarthy Aboriginal Education/SAASTA Coordinator for Grant High School said, “This program is integral to student wellbeing through mindful connection with themselves and nature, as well as supporting learning outcomes through Indigenous knowledge. I encourage schools within the region to take a further look at this program when planning for 2023.”

Resources developed by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board links to the Australian Curriculum and Landscape Education Coordinators can assist schools looking to be involved in 2023.

If you would like more information or are an educator and would like to become involved email lclandscapeeducation@sa.gov.au