Indigenous Spirituality: Grace Beside Me



Last week marked the world premiere season of NITV children’s live action series, Grace Beside Me. The series teacher notes cover each episode and themes exploring the Indigenous realm of culture, Country, and spirits. This is a must-see drama for ages 8-12, based on the book by Sue McPherson which is a great book for any Reading Challenges coming up.


 

The series tells the charming story of an Indigenous girl Fuzzy Mac (played by Kyliric ‘Kiki’ Masella). Fuzzy just wants to be an ordinary teenager and have fun with her mates. This isn’t easy given Fuzzy’s ancestors have other plans for her. Oh, and not to mention she keeps seeing ghosts!

With one foot in the Indigenous realm of culture, Country, and spirits, and the other firmly planted in the world of a 21st century teenager, Fuzzy’s journey is to realise she belongs to both in her own unique way.

The series was filmed entirely on location in the Scenic Rim area of South-East Queensland, and stars up and coming talent, including Kyliric ‘Kiki’ Masella as Fuzzy Mac, Mairehau Grace and Tjiirdm McGuire as Fuzzy’s best buddies Tui and Yar, and Tessa Rose and Charles Passi as Nan and Pop.

The series brings Indigenous culture to the forefront and is important because it lets Indigenous kids see themselves on screen in a positive and fun way, and demystifies Indigenous culture for non-Indigenous audiences.”

 


 

Excerpt: Teachers Guide to Grace Beside Me

The Australian Curriculum: English is built around the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy. Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. In English, students engage with a variety of texts for enjoyment. They read and view, and also interpret and evaluate these texts in which the primary purpose is aesthetic. As a classroom resource, Grace Beside Me allows students to respond to, examine and create texts. Recommended link: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/english/

The Australian Curriculum for the Humanities and Social Sciences which includes the knowledge and understandings of Civics and Citizenship, Geography and History provides students with an insight into the world they live in from a range of perspectives, past and present, and encourages them to develop an appreciation and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity. The learning area provides students with the skills, behaviours and capabilities that will equip them to face challenges in their lifetime and to contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment, the economy and society. Through studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students are given opportunities to develop their ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change.

Recommended links:

https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/hass/
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/civics-and-citizenship/
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/history/
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/geography/

In addition, Grace Beside Me engages students in discussions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and allows students to examine the influences of family, kinship, community, Country, culture, spirituality and mainstream Australian society. The Australian Curriculum acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures as a cross curriculum priority in all learning areas. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priority provides opportunities for all learners to deepen their knowledge of Australia by engaging with the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. This knowledge and understanding will enrich students’ ability to participate positively in the ongoing development of Australia. Details about integrating this cross curriculum priority can be accessed at https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/cross-curriculum-priorities/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures/

For more information and to download the Teachers Guide, please go here

 

 

 

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