Australian School: Kinross Wolaroi School

Location: Orange NSW

Students: K – Yr 12

Overseas Partner: George Brown High School

Location: Rabaul, East New Britain, PNG

Students: Yrs 9 & 10

Partnership History:

In 2008 UnitingWorld approached Kinross Wolaroi School about establishing an overseas partnership with George Brown High School (GBHS), PNG. In April 2009 an initial visit was conducted by the Principal, Mr. Brian Kennelly and a member of staff though UnitingWorld. The representatives of KWS visited GBHS, meet with staff and discussed the possibility commiting to a long-term partnership. The idea was embraced by both schools and a relationship began.

Current Engagement

The PNG Government has adopted Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) as its National approach to education. While this is the current educational approach within Australia, it is a new direction for PNG. The staff of GBHS are keen to explore and implement the essential aspects of this educational directive, however they have limited access to training and resources to support them in this transition.

In July 2010 Kinross sent 2 staff members, Ms Kate Stehr and Ms Murial Holmes, to Rabaul East New Britain to visit GBHS to work with staff on the fundamentals of OBE. While the Kinross representatives are knowledgeable and experienced about OBE phylosophy and practise, they recognised that they had little understanding of the PNG cultural context. With this in mind, the staff from both schools meet as equals. Kate and Murial were able to share of their OBE expertise while listening and learning of the PNG culture and the unique strengths and challenges within GBHS. The two days spent working together provided a rich learning experience for all who participated, and the relationship between the 2 schools was firmly cemented.

Mask Festival

While in PNG the Kinross staff were also able to assess the potential for a students exposure visit to be conducted in the future as well as experience some unique cultural events such as the Baining Fire Dancing and the Mask Fesival.

Into the Future

The staff of GBHS are currently implementing a variety of OBE teaching strategies, evaluating their effectiveness within their specific cultural context and modifying as necessary. They are also passing on the training to those staff members who were unable to attend in July. The current and up-to-date textbook resources that Kinross donated during their visit have assisted greatly in supporting the staff of GBHS to build on the quality of the education delivered to their students. GBHS is also currently converting to a secondary school, meaning that they will be delivering education up to yr 12 as of 2011.

The Kinross staff who participated are motivated to continue the support of their new frineds in PNG through seeing  the relationship between the 2 schools continue to grow. Kinross is currently exploring the possibilities for 2011 and 2012, and are excited with the opportunities that this relationship has for both schools.

Feedback from Participants

Betty Maselam (Principal GBHS)

“We were able to work as equals. They just fitted in”

Kate Stehr (KWS representative)

“Being told by Betty that we were one of them was one of the highlights of our trip

Click here to read more about their recent visit to George Brown High School.