23 October 2025
Four public schools have been acknowledged in the WA Education Awards 2025 for their approach to cultural responsiveness.
Deanmore Primary School, Dianella Secondary College, Rangeway Primary School and Wiluna Remote Community School are all finalists in the excellence in cultural responsiveness category.
This award recognises schools that demonstrate a commitment to building culturally safe and engaging learning environments for Aboriginal students.
The winner will be announced at an award presentation event on Monday 17 November.
Here’s more about the finalists:
Deanmore Primary School
Staff at Deanmore Primary School are committed to creating an environment where cultural identity is visible, valued and celebrated.
The staff have developed relationships with families, communities, Elders and cultural leaders, both inside and outside the classroom. Elders and cultural leaders work with staff and students in workshops and curriculum integration.
Staff take part in various professional learning opportunities, such as cultural excursions, which deepen teacher understanding of the local area and context.
With activities such as storytelling, hands-on cultural activities and on-Country learning, students are constantly learning and engaging with local Aboriginal knowledge.
Deanmore Primary School has been praised by parents for incorporating Noongar language and cultural practices into everyday school life.
Dianella Secondary College
Students are taught how to cook modern meals with bush tucker at Dianella Secondary College. (ABC News: Kenith Png)
Set in a culturally diverse community, staff at Dianella Secondary College are dedicated to developing a culture where every student feels seen, heard and valued.
A dedicated Aboriginal Education Coordinator was established at the school to develop partnerships with Aboriginal families and to lead programs that integrate Aboriginal knowledge while fostering pride, identity and empowerment.
The school has developed several community lead programs, such as Dookerniny Garbala (Late Afternoon Cooking) co-created with their Elder-in-Residence, and Wariny Marrakool (Making with Hands) Art Club, where students collaborate with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists.
Dianella Secondary College builds confident, resilient and successful Aboriginal learners and provides a space for them to grow and express themselves.
Rangeway Primary School
Located in the Midwest, Rangeway Primary School staff have an unwavering belief in every student’s potential.
Aboriginal community members and parents are actively engaged with and are provided the opportunity to contribute to decision making, promoting equity, reconciliation and culturally safe practices across the school.
On Country learning is cornerstone of the school’s culturally responsive approach as it fosters respect, pride and cultural safety and allowed students to engage in meaningful experiences that deepen their understanding of Aboriginal culture, history and connection to land.
The school’s Cultural Reference Group supports the school in developing culturally responsive practices and identifying the diverse supports that students need.
Wiluna Remote Community School
Wiluna Remote Community School empowers students through their community first, cultural knowledge led approach for education.
Measuring success through both Western academic benchmarks and Martu cultural standards, the Goldfields school is governed by ngaparrtji ngaparrtji (Two-Way Learning), with Martu culture being the foundation at the school.
The curriculum is shaped around Martu knowledge and is delivered on Country, with rangers working to teach students about conservation science and bush medicine units led by Elders.
Community consultation is central to the school with Elders and local role models visible in the classrooms and involved with the designing programs and events.
Find out more about the WA Education Awards.