The AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round, taking place during Rounds 10 and 11 of the 2025 season (May 15–18 and May 23–26), offers a unique opportunity for teachers to engage students in learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their significant contributions to Australian football and society.
Key Resources Available HERE:
- Exploring Australian Indigenous Culture through AFL: This resource offers lesson plans focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. It's suitable for various year levels and includes activities that explore the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians through the lens of AFL.
- Everyone Matters Modules: These modules are designed to promote inclusion and diversity within the classroom. They include activities that encourage students to reflect on cultural diversity and the importance of respectful relationships.
How Teachers Can Use These Resources in the Classroom
- Teachers can integrate these resources into their Humanities, Health, or Physical Education lessons during or around the Sir Doug Nicholls Round to help students connect with the event in a meaningful way. For example:
- Start a classroom discussion using the "Everyone Matters" modules to explore the values of inclusion, respect, and diversity.
- Use the AFL-focused lesson plans to examine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in history and culture, linking them to the role of Indigenous athletes in shaping the game.
- Incorporate creative tasks such as designing a guernsey that reflects the class’s understanding of Indigenous culture.
- Bring the learning outside by organising a footy game where students use what they've learned to celebrate culture, respect, and teamwork.
- Reflect and share by having students present what they’ve learned in short oral presentations or visual displays during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
These resources provide both practical activities and rich content that align with the Australian Curriculum and promote cultural awareness and understanding in schools.