Under the Local Decision Making Agreement, the Groote Eylandt community will lead the construction and development of a new boarding college, initially for students in years 3 to 6. The college, to be built on Bickerton Island, will provide a safe and nurturing space for primary aged students to learn using a cultural curriculum aligned with the Australian Curriculum and taught in a way that prioritises language and culture preservation.
The college is due to begin construction in mid 2024 with opening expected for the beginning of the 2026 school year.
In addition to the construction of the site, GEBIPCAC is responsible for developing the teaching and learning processes for the college – as well as for the existing community schools. This includes:
- Developing a cultural framework, known as Our Country Our Culture, which identifies 8 cultural learning fields to underpin the curriculum
- Implementing the Our Country Our Culture on-country program, where students will engage in high quality learning on country
- Conducting teacher training of Anindilyakwa language teachers, who will be the experts in delivering lessons in language and on cultural elements
- Recruitment of teaching staff and administrative staff for the college
- Implementing a whole-of-archipelago governance model so that all schools work constructively and cooperatively to create a seamless schooling system
