WA Education Awards finalists 2026: Excellence in cultural responsiveness

Four public schools have been acknowledged in the WA Education Awards 2026 for their approach to cultural responsiveness.

Four public schools have been acknowledged in the WA Education Awards 2026 for their approach to cultural responsiveness.

Dianella Secondary College, Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School, Governor Stirling Senior High School, and Ocean Road Primary School are all finalists in the excellence for cultural responsiveness category.

This award recognises schools that demonstrate leadership in fostering knowledge, understanding and respect for Aboriginal histories, cultures and languages across their entire school community.

The winner will be announced at a presentation breakfast on Monday 16 November.

Here’s a little more about out four finalists.

Dianella Secondary College

Dianella Secondary College embeds cultural responsiveness into daily learning, maintaining a strong focus on Aboriginal priorities within a diverse student community representing 48 countries, 70 languages and 21 religions.

The Aboriginal Education Coordinator (AEC) has established enduring partnerships with community organisations, including the City of Stirling, Reconciliation WA, DeadlyScience and Ebenezer Aboriginal Corporation, creating lasting initiatives such as the Maladjiny Dandjoo and Yalkaranging Djet gardens.

These collaborations have become increasingly community-led, and the successful practices at the college are now being shared and are contributing to regional reconciliation efforts.

Dianella has demonstrated how cultural responsive teaching, strong relationships and evidence-based approaches can improve education outcomes for Aboriginal students.

Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School

Noongar language, culture and connection to Country are embedded in every aspect of teaching, learning and school life at Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School. The result is a culturally safe environment for its predominantly First Nations student community.

Culture is the foundation of the school’s approach, with Elders, families, Aboriginal staff and community partners working alongside educators to deliver authentic two-way learning that celebrates identity and belonging.

Through evidence-based teaching, Learning on Country, Noongar language programs and the Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji Two-way Science program, the school has achieved strong improvements in student engagement and outcomes while strengthening cultural pride.

Nationally recognised through the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap through literacy initiative, Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School demonstrates the power of combining culture, community and educational excellence.

Governor Stirling Senior High School

Governor Stirling Senior High School has transformed Aboriginal education through its Bidi Koorliny (Walking Together) project, which embeds Aboriginal perspectives across leadership, curriculum, wellbeing and community partnerships.

Students engage in initiatives, such as Years 7 and 8 culture classes, a Derbarl Yerrigan cross-curricular project, on-Country learning and leadership opportunities that strengthen cultural identity and connection.

The school also provides future-focused pathways, including a Certificate III in School-based Education with an Aboriginal perspectives focus, while working closely with programs such as Follow the Dream and Deadly Sista Girlz.

This sustained commitment has led to stronger attendance, improved achievement, increased leadership opportunities and deeper community trust, with Aboriginal culture positioned as a foundation of school life and improvement.

Ocean Road Primary School

Ocean Road Primary School is a culturally responsive school where Aboriginal voice, authentic partnerships and reconciliation are embedded in everyday learning, creating a strong sense of belonging and success for Aboriginal students.

A key feature is the Yarning on Boodja initiative, which empowers Aboriginal students and families to contribute to school planning and decision-making and has been recognised as a model of community engagement.

Cultural responsiveness is reflected through initiatives such as dual-language signage, yarning circles, the bush tucker garden and learning that embeds Aboriginal histories, cultures and perspectives across the curriculum.

Supported by partnerships with Elders and community members, the school has built a culture where Aboriginal students feel valued, connected and empowered to thrive.

Find out more about the WA Education Awards.