indigenous and isolated schools

Across Australia, a dedicated team of ACMF teachers motivate, educate and inspire Indigenous children and youth in free, long-term music programs. These programs commence when there is sufficient funding to commit to the location for at least 12 months- to ensure that the children and youth are given long-term mentorship and attention rather than a short term solution. The programs involve a variety of musical expression such as percussion, drumming, singing and guitar tuition. As part of the program, the ACMF donates all of the musical instruments to the schools for the students, to be kept and enjoyed even after the 12 month period. Due to the remote location of the schools involved, teachers tend to spend an intensive period of time with the students, several times a year. ACMF programs are designed in partnership with each school, to meet the needs of the students. Programs aim at improving mental health and engagement with learning. Significant outcomes include improvements in literacy and numeracy skills, behaviour and school attendance. The children are taken through the process of songwriting, recording and they create and illustrate a book of their songs, which is then printed (a special keepsake).

OBJECTIVES

- Increased school attendance
- Engagement with learning
- Improve literacy and numeracy
- Improve mental health
- Create school and community cohesion
- Cultural harmony

RESULTS

Students have (shown) improvements in behaviour and attitude at school. As a result, academic performance and outcomes have improved across curriculum areas.
Suzanne Brogan, Teaching Principal of Milikapiti School, NT.


Music has been a great stimulus for students' learning of English. Over the past number of years we have seen an improvement in English/numeracy outcomes for our students.
Leonie Jones, Principal of Top End Group School, NT.


Exploring literacy, numeracy, culture and language through music is a positive and encouraging way to engage students.
Kerry Digby, Teacher at Top End Group Schools, NT.

Case Study: Top End Group School, NT
A good example was a difficult boy who was very disinterested in school and often caused huge issues in the class. He was the kind of student who, when he didn't come to school, teachers and other children were relieved.

Kerry worked with him on the bass guitar. It has just been the key to unlock a huge amount of dedication, motivation and enjoyment. He now sees a real need for reading; he's at school early and after school he is keen to practise. He has had a turnaround in his negative and bad behaviour. This has had a significant impact on the whole school.
Leonie Jones, Principal, Top End Group School, NT.