Stanford, Bartholomew (2016) A critical discourse analysis of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cross curriculum priority in the Australian geography curriculum. Masters (Research) thesis, University of the Sunshine Coast.

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Abstract

The Australian Curriculum includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures as a Cross Curriculum Priority across all key learning areas. The Australian education system is largely based upon Anglo-Saxon values, beliefs and worldviews. This Critical Discourse Analysis examines the positioning of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in relation to Geography Curriculum content. The purpose of this research was to understand how Indigenous content has been re-contextualised, to determine how Australian school teachers interpret Indigenous content in disciplinary areas. The positioning of Indigenous content was examined through the application of Critical Discourse Analysis tools. A cultural analysis tool was also used to measure the breadth of content and the depth of perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curriculum content. From all levels of analysis, it was found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures are positioned in states of uncertainty and irrelevance due to their re-contextualisation as a Cross Curriculum Priority. These findings raise serious questions regarding the inclusion of Cross Curriculum Priorities in the Australian Curriculum. It is evident from the findings of this research that the current positioning and re-contextualisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in the Geography Curriculum does not meet the intended purpose of its development or recommendations made by The Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs.

Item ID:	85604
Item Type:	Thesis (Masters (Research))
Additional Information:	Thesis available open access from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Date Deposited:	12 Mar 2026 05:41
FoR Codes:	45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4502 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education > 450201 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curriculum and pedagogy @ 100%
SEO Codes:	21 INDIGENOUS > 2104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture > 210404 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge @ 50% 21 INDIGENOUS > 2104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture > 210407 Conserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture @ 50%
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