Supporting high-ability First Nations students
Cultural responsivity and high-ability First Nations students
Teachers can use reflective practice to think about how their own culture, background, and personal experiences might affect the way they teach and interact with students. By doing this, teachers can better understand how their beliefs and thinking influence the choices they make in the classroom.
This helps teachers create a culturally safe learning environment – one where all students feel respected, included, and understood. It also helps teachers see how their actions and decisions might affect students in both positive and negative ways.
What people see as being high ability can be different from one culture to another. Usually, a cultural group will connect high ability with things that are important to their cultural life.
When high ability is viewed differently, teachers, students, and their parents or carers may have different ideas about what high achieving is and what the purpose of school should be.
Some high-ability First Nations students may be faced with the forced-choice dilemma. They might feel like they must choose between fitting in with their friends and culture or doing well in school.
In line with the Marrung – Victorian Aboriginal Education Plan 2016 to , schools should embrace a ‘both-ways’ approach by creating conditions that promote high-ability First Nations students’ self-efficacy by:
- making sure all First Nations students have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to support the development of high expectations and individualised learning for First Nations students
- working together with local First Nations communities to develop place-based approaches to improving student outcomes
- creating a learning environment for all students that respects, values and understands First Nations cultures and identities
- viewing success for their First Nations students as core business.
Resources for high-ability First Nations students
First Nations students are a priority cohort for the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP) and are encouraged to participate in Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) activities.
Further targeted programs for high-ability students from First Nations backgrounds are available:
- The Koorie Academy of Excellence is an out of school hours program supporting young First Nations students to develop a connection to culture, leadership skills and their academic capabilities.
- Marrung Education support First Nations students to complete a senior secondary education program or pathway.
Further advice for supporting this cohort is available:
Reviewed 11 August 2025