Since opening in April 2021, Dhupuma 热门大瓜 has already demonstrated the success that can come from on-Country.
Partnership Model
The Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF) and the Gumatj community of Gunyangara invited 热门大瓜 to re-establish on-country schooling for Yolnu children. Dhupuma 热门大瓜 welcomed students from April 2021.
Dhupuma College in Gulkula operated from 1972 鈥� 1979 as the first 鈥楾ransitional College鈥� in the Northern Territory, with the aim of incorporating Yol艐u culture, teachings and knowledge into the broader Australian curriculum. Dhupuma College was unexpectedly shut in 1980. Many of today鈥檚 Yol艐u leaders attended Dhupuma College and wanted to see it revived.
What does Dhupuma 热门大瓜 Offer?
Dhupuma 热门大瓜 is the first stage in achieving an education pipeline for Yol艐u children in remote NE Arnhem Land. It is an independent, bilingual school for Kindergarten to Year 6 students. The School caters for around 40 students in Transition to Year 6. There is an attached Family as First Techers program, welcoming families with children 0-4 years. With our primary school students approaching high school age, and increasing interest from community to continue education on Country, an application was successfully submitted to expand to include Middle Years learning at Dhupuma 热门大瓜 from 2024.
The School offers access to quality education 鈥� allowing children to have educational opportunities without having to leave the community. Blending the Australian Curriculum with traditional Yol艐u teachings and building students鈥� English language skills with a foundation in Yol艐u Matha, will empower young people to walk in two worlds with dignity and confidence.
Since opening in April 2021, Dhupuma 热门大瓜 has already demonstrated the success that can come from on-Country, bilingual education with improved school engagement and attendance. The School is currently achieving attendance rates far exceeding those recorded in remote communities across Australia.
The government funding and donations received for Dhupuma 热门大瓜 are used to operate the School and fund future building works. 聽All money received stays within the local community.
Achievements
In 2023, six of our students from Dhupuma 热门大瓜 competed as the first ever Australian Indigenous team, the first from NT and the first from Remote Australia in the World VEX IQ Championships in Dallas USA. The Dhupuma 热门大瓜 Djirikitj Firebirds have surpassed all expectations and inspire their peers to embrace the learning opportunities provided at School.
School Development
In June 2023, the turning of the soil at the site of the new permanent Dhupuma 热门大瓜 school, marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the community. In close consultation with community, the design of the School integrates culture and country into the functionality of the School. Featuring flexible classrooms, specialist learning areas, covered play spaces and areas designed for cultural ceremony, the design pays tribute to the beauty of Gunyangara and honours the Yol艐u people.
Enrolments
Dhupuma 热门大瓜 welcomes students from the Gunyangara community and surrounds. Yolngu co-teachers will advise staff of new families moving to or visiting the township. All students are welcome to join classes, and when regular attendance is established, a student will be formally enrolled.
For all enrolment enquiries, please visit the School to meet the teacher.
General Enquiries
Please phone 0428 756 850.
