woman looking at dashboard of diversity atlas for schools on laptop

Introducing Diversity Atlas for Schools – Join a World-First Initiative!

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, cultural diversity is part of everyone’s daily life. Schools and classrooms across Australia and the world usually reflect a great mix of identities, languages, beliefs, and heritages. However, while this diversity is all around us, understanding it in meaningful and measurable ways remains a challenge for educators and school leaders. In response to these challenges, Cultural Infusion has developed Diversity Atlas for Schools, which offers a new way for schools to discover, understand and celebrate the cultural diversity of their school and track changes over time. Who is Cultural Infusion? Since 2002, Cultural Infusion has been Australia’s leading cultural education provider, reaching over 375,000 students annually. Through live experiences, award-winning resources, and curriculum-aligned tools co-designed with culturally diverse facilitators, we equip students and teachers with intercultural understanding. What is Diversity Atlas? Diversity Atlas is a world-leading cultural diversity data analytics platform that offers a sophisticated yet accessible way to measure and map cultural identity across communities. A product of more than 7 years of scientific and community research and development, Diversity Atlas is trusted by leading global and local organisations, including Carers Victoria, Amazon Web Services, Melbourne City Mission and more. Now, the platform is being adapted specifically for the education sector. Diversity Atlas for Schools enables educators, students and school leaders to explore the rich cultural diversity of their communities through a guided discovery process. The insights gained help build bridges of understanding, spark meaningful conversations, and facilitate inclusive school practices. Why Diversity Matters in Schools Living in the contemporary technological world where everyone with a smart phone and service provider can be connected to each other regardless of geographical distances and cultural backgrounds, intercultural understanding is no longer optional, but an essential skill. Educational research highlights the importance of cultural diversity in promoting inclusive learning environments and supporting student achievement. Schools with culturally responsive practices are often better positioned to foster social cohesion, reduce bias, and encourage student engagement. A study from the University of Michigan showed that classroom experiences of diversity are positively related to the learning outcomes of students. Universities such as UCLA have also recognised the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the teaching environment and the benefits it brings to students’ learning and development. In addition, understanding diversity is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, which calls for inclusive and equitable education and the promotion of global citizenship. In Australia, teaching standards outlined by AITSL include the need to respond to students’ diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. However, diversity alone means nothing when it is only observed without being understood or acted on. A research study we conducted with our Australia-wide school network on Australia curriculum revealed that our country lacks an effective teacher education program on intercultural understanding. With little resources available nationally, teachers are inadequately prepared to teach this vital ability to students. Schools that successfully embrace diversity benefit in countless ways. In classrooms, diverse student populations bring broader perspectives into the classroom, enhance problem-solving and creativity, and help build empathy and intercultural understanding. So, how can the Diversity Atlas platform help schools embrace diversity? First, it gives schools concrete, visual data on their cultural composition, which can help teachers understand who their students really are, so teaching methods and resources can be adjusted to leverage the diversity, transforming cultural diversity into a learning asset. Second, Diversity Atlas promotes an understanding that people are multidimensional and cannot be reduced to one or two identity attributes, that no two humans share the same identity, and that as soon as more than one person is considered, there’s diversity. Diversity Atlas data is anonymised and de-identified, meaning the platform may identify: a Swahili speaker, a person born in Kuwait, a Shia Muslim, a girl, a person with Fijian ancestry and strong affinity to French culture, but there’s no way of knowing if they are the same person or many different people. This shifts the emphasis from individual to group identity and creates space for less charged conversations about human identity. More importantly, Diversity Atlas does not categorise people by race, as this is an unscientific and problematic category, but does allow people to identify culturally with a race label, including black and white, as these labels remain significant to many people. The demographic data gathered can be used for inclusive lesson planning, professional development, parent engagement, and assist educators in meeting the outlined teaching standards. In classroom settings, the tool provides a valuable opportunity for students and staff to explore their group identity and compare their own backgrounds and individual identities, encouraging healthy conversations and empathy along the way. Diversity Atlas can also be used as a powerful antiracism tool because it allows people to identify their precise cultural attributes rather than forcing them into racial categories. Diversity Atlas’s visually engaging dashboard provides easy-to-understand and easy-to-share data for users, so students and teachers can talk about differences and similarities freely and openly, and start creating a more informed, curious, harmonious and respectful environment in schools. Furthermore, Diversity Atlas is a convenient tool that can be used to assess, benchmark and track inclusion efforts periodically, which helps schools make measurable improvements. It provides a safe and anonymous channel for students and staff to discuss diversity and inclusion, which promotes intercultural understanding. How It Works Diversity Atlas for Schools is highly sophisticated but easy to use, engaging, and adaptable to each school’s needs. Here is the 5-step process to a more informed and genuinely inclusive school environment with Diversity Atlas: 1. Design & Configure The school tailors the survey experience using Diversity Atlas’ question libraries. The survey is safe, anonymous and voluntary. Sensitive questions come with “prefer not to answer” options. The Diversity Atlas datasets contain more than 45,000 identity attributes, including every known language, religion, denomination and more, which means every participant ought to be able to find their precise attributes in the user-friendly self-id experience. This ensures the data collected is comprehensive and reflects the full spectrum of cultural identity. If a participant is unable to find their identity attribute, we invite them to contact the team and we will add it instantly to the database. We call this proprietorial database, more than 10 years in the making, the Global Database of Humanity. 2. Communicate The school introduces and explains the initiative to staff, students, and parents with clear messaging and rationales to gain enthusiastic consent to participate and the greatest response rate. Many people are understandably mistrustful of sharing personal data. It needs to be explained in the clearest terms that the data is de-identified (so not even Diversity Atlas administrators know which attributes belong to which person) and anonymised, while Diversity Atlas abides by the strictest data privacy and security protocols. Diversity Atlas is a positive classroom experience, allowing a class to see how culturally rich they are – far more than they typically would have realised. The data reveal is more exciting than a class photo because of the depth of information it gives. 3. Map Your School Students and staff go through an interactive and educational diversity mapping experience with the platform. This is not just a survey, but also an opportunity for reflection. Because the survey asks for ancestry going back three generations, students often need to ask family members for help and this alone is often a positive learning experience. 4. Reveal, Report & Benchmark Diversity Atlas provides visualisations, reports, and data-supported insights that participants can share, compare and discuss. School leaders can use the results to drive meaningful change. The result is likely to spark excitement and curiosity. 5. Student & Staff Learning Educators can access the complementary curriculum-aligned learning resources and use them to translate the Diversity Atlas insights into everyday learning. A Platform You Can Trust Knowing that privacy and security is a primary concern for all our users, Diversity Atlas for Schools is built with the following features at its core: These features ensure that schools can use the platform with confidence, knowing that participants’ privacy is secure, respected and handled responsibly. Diversity Atlas for Schools in 2025 Now, interested schools can be part of a world-first initiative that uses diversity data-analytics to build intercultural understanding and inclusion in education. Cultural Infusion is inviting innovative Australian schools to join the early 2025 Pilot Program in term 2 for Diversity Atlas for Schools. This is a unique opportunity for schools that value cultural diversity to bring diversity to life in the classroom through data, conversation, and connection. You may also enquire with our team to explore using the new platform in term 3 onwards and experience the possibilities brought by Diversity Atlas for Schools. Participating schools will have access to exciting new resources, including lesson plans that complement the Diversity Atlas for Schools platform and provide new data insights. They can also enjoy free access to additional cultural education resources on Cultural Infusion’s Learning Lands, comprising international award-winning apps, games and activities. To recognise the school’s commitment to diversity, they will also receive an exclusive Diversity Atlas “Mapped and Measured” badge. The provisional program schedule is as below: APPLY FOR EARLY PILOT PROGRAM ENQUIRE TO EXPLORE USING DIVERSITY ATLAS AT YOUR SCHOOL Term 2 2025 Term 3 2025 onwards Limited spots Australia-wide Available Australia-wide Expressions of Interest and Enquiries are NOW OPEN for Schools Your school can be a part of the project and take an essential step towards a better future for all the students by helping to pioneer a new standard in intercultural education. There are two options available to schools in 2025 If you are interested in finding out more, BOOK A FREE DEMO today with our team to experience the platform live and see how it fits your school’s needs! Don’t miss this opportunity to lead the way in inclusive education – enhance your school’s strategies with data-driven insights to support student wellbeing and build intercultural understanding.

Korean Janggu Drum

Korean Janggu Drum – Musical Instrument Spotlight

An integral part of engaging with a culture is experiencing its musical instruments and traditions. At Cultural Infusion, many of our educational workshops celebrate various cultures and traditions through distinct musical practices. In this blog, we will explore the interconnectedness of culture, music, and understanding by focusing on significant musical instruments from around the globe. Today’s spotlight is the Korean Janggu Drum.  Music is what’s known as a “cultural universal,” meaning every known culture in the world partakes in it, from the classical music of China to the Songlines used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. However, while a musical tradition is unique to a geographical location, it is also transcending time and space. An instrument, a scale, or a rhythm can travel miles and appear almost identically in a different tradition. Such is the case with the double harmonic scale, which can be heard in both Indian classical music and Arabic music, and with the cross-cultural 6/8 rhythm of lullabies. This means that tracking down the origins of an instrument is often a messy business, and it can be incredibly difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where an instrument has taken its modern form.   The story of an instrument is then ultimately the story of the many cultures and interactions that brought it to life. This is the case with our musical instrument of focus for this blog—the Korean Janggu Drum.  What is the Korean Janggu Drum?  The Korean janggu drum is a traditional musical instrument that has been integral to various forms of Korean music since the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Also known as the double-headed Korean hourglass drum, its shape resembles an hourglass with a narrow middle section. The drum has two sides covered in leather, representing the union of yin and yang. The left side produces a bass tone, played with a gungchae mallet, while the right side produces a treble tone, played with a yeolchae stick. The drum’s tone can be adjusted using buckles for tuning. It can be played while strapped over the shoulder or while seated on the floor or a chair and comes in various sizes to accommodate men, women, and children.  The Korean janggu drum is made out of carefully selected empress tree wood. When deciding on a tree, the artisan would often bang on the tree to check its sound – the stronger the sound, the older the tree. After the tree is selected, a precious and elongated carving process begins. The sound of the drum is incredibly precious to the artisans, and even a slight deviation or miscalculation can waste a drum away. Hence, it takes years of dedication to master the art of making the Korean janggu drum. The History of the Korean Janggu Drum The origins of the janggu drum trace back to ancient Korea, with early references found in ancient records, describing rhythmic hand clapping in worship rituals. Artefacts from the Three Kingdoms period, including murals and statues, depict yogo, an early drum similar to the janggu, played alongside melodic instruments like the geomungo and dangbipa. In the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), records indicate the janggu drum was imported from China’s Song Dynasty and used in royal music performances. This is corroborated by Chinese historical texts from the Han Dynasty which also mention a similar drum called yogo.   By the 15th century, the Korean janggu drum was an essential instrument in both court and folk music, spanning genres such as jeongak, sanjo, japga, minyo, nongak, and shamanic music. Its versatility and cultural significance have cemented its place in Korean traditional music. Traditional Uses of the Korean Janggu Drum  Drums are conceptualised differently across different cultures. In West African cultures, for example, the drum is used rhythmically to drive the beat of the piece. In Korea, however, the janggu drum, among other percussion instruments, is used to punctuate and add excitement to a piece by flowing in and out of it, rather than remaining as a constant throughout. This technique is used in Korean theatre, a prime example being pansori, a one-person lyrical opera that has the singer performing acapella with a lone janggu drummer providing often unexpected and impromptu musical responses to the story.  The Korean janggu drum is also used in various celebrations in both South Korea and North Korea, often accompanying dance performances. Among such festivals is the upcoming Dano Festival.  Celebrating Dano Festival with the Korean Janggu Drum Dano Festival is a public holiday in North and South Korea to celebrate the start of summer and the end of spring. This year, it takes place on the 10th of June. The holiday marks the start of the growing season, when farmers have finished sowing and planting, and Yang energy is at its highest level. Historically, this day was intended for spiritual rites and involved people dressing in blue and red. Traditionally, women wear dyed hairpins and men wear roots around their waists to ward off evil spirits. The celebrations often feature various dance performances accompanied by traditional instruments such as the korean janggu drum.  The largest Dano Festival celebration in the world occurs in the Gangneung Danoje Festival. People from all over Korea make their way to partake in these festivities, which include traditional the Gwanno mask drama, oral narrative poetry, and various popular pastimes. The festival also features Korea’s largest outdoor market where local products and original art is sold.  To help you celebrate Dano Festival, Cultural Infusion offers a Korean Classical Dance educational workshops in Victoria and New South Wales.  To keep up to date with upcoming cultural events, check out our cultural calendar. For other important dates in June, including National Reconciliation Week, World Environment Day and Matariki, check out our recent blog about dates to celebrate and commemorate in June. Through experiencing and understanding musical traditions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultures they originate from. The Korean janggu drum is just one example of how a single instrument can reflect the intersection of history, geography, and human interaction. By exploring the sounds and stories of instruments from around the world, we can foster a more connected and empathetic global community. Join us on this journey of cultural discovery with Cultural Infusion, where cultural education becomes a bridge to greater understanding and appreciation.  To find out more about our programs, please call us at 03 9412 6666 or email us at [email protected].  Sound Infusion  Also, if you’re curious to explore instruments from around the globe, take a tour of our award-winning platform, Sound Infusion. It offers a vast collection of original, high-quality samples, allowing you to create your own musical pieces by blending sounds from different cultures while learning about their history and function. Sound Infusion is part of our Learning Lands platform, which includes countless lesson plans and activities tailored to fit the Australian Curriculum. Book any program now and enjoy 3 months of Learning Lands for free! 

Dates and Festivals to Celebrate in July

8 Dates and Festivals to Celebrate in July: From NAIDOC Week to Bastille Day

July is Australia’s coldest month. In the middle of winter, it is a time for meditation and reflection. In the Northern Hemisphere however, July is their warmest month, and it signifies the height of summer.  We’ve looked all over the globe for our best picks of July dates to celebrate and commemorate from our cultural calendar. Ranging from Japan’s Star Festival to NAIDOC Week and Bastille Day, get ready to discover global festivals and celebrations to enjoy in July.  July Morning Festival 1st July In Bulgaria, July Morning is an annual festival celebrated the night before and on July 1st. Although the tradition is unique to Bulgaria, it is not universally celebrated by the entire country.  On this day, people gather on the country’s Black Sea coast to welcome the sunrise of a new day, month and summer season. The festival originated in the 1970s as a symbol of freedom and rebellious youth, but now, participants light fires, play music and jump over the flames, embracing the spirit of renewal and new beginnings. It is this blend of cultural celebration, communal gathering and music festival that draws both locals and tourists to the picturesque coastal locations.   Star Festival  7th July  Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a Japanese celebration that takes place on July 7th or August 7th, depending on the region. Originating from a Chinese legend, it celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair, who are allowed to meet only once a year on this day. During Tanabata, people write wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches. Festivities include parades, traditional decorations and performances, making it a joyful and vibrant occasion symbolising love, wishes and the beauty of the night sky.  Celebrate Japanese culture with our Japanese Infusion educational program (available face-to-face in New South Wales), bringing Japanese culture to life using songs, games and storytelling to teach children about the culture, traditions, seasons and celebrations of Japan. Our Japanese Calligraphy or Japanese Ink Painting educational programs, led by award-winning artist Junko, are also other ways to learn about Japanese culture. In these educational programs, student learn different types of brush techniques and touch on Japanese history and origins. Both programs are available in Victoria.  We also offer Taiko Drumming in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, which is a traditional and original Japanese music program that combines spectacular performances with interactive workshops. This educational workshop allows students to be introduced to Japanese culture through music and language.  NAIDOC Week 7th July – 14th July  NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration in Australia that honors the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It stands for National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week typically features various events such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, workshops and community gatherings. The week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and acknowledge the rich heritage and contributions of Aboriginal communities. It also serves as a platform to address issues faced by First Nations peoples and promote reconciliation and understanding among all Australians.  This year in 2024, the theme of NAIDOC Week is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’. The term ‘blak’ is a reclaimed word used by Indigenous Australians to assert their cultural identity and solidarity, stripping away the pejorative undertones often associated with ‘black’. ‘Blak’ is not just a word, but a declaration of resilience, pride and ongoing resistance against colonisation and its lingering effects. The term serves as a reminder of the strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, as well as the significance of preserving heritage, language and identity for the future generations to come.  As we observe NAIDOC Week, let us take the time to engage in the stories and cultures of our First Nations presenters in our Aboriginal Infusion educational program (available in Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales) and our Aboriginal Culture For A Day program (available in Victoria). Let us acknowledge the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and learn through dance, symbolic art, didgeridoo and a wide range of other engaging activities.  Students can also learn traditional Aboriginal symbols from our First Nations presenters in our Aboriginal Storytelling Through Art educational program, available in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. This unique experience will give students the opportunity to create and share their own stories and is a perfect intercultural experience for any age! Aboriginal Storytelling and Artefacts  available in New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory and Western Australia on the other hand, combines storytelling with an introduction to the history of Aboriginal tools and artefacts. Students will get to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture throughout this program by acting out stories and engaging with cultural artefacts.  Nevertheless, it is vital to keep the fire burning, not just during NAIDOC Week, but in our everyday actions and interactions as it is important for us to continue learning and engaging with Aboriginal culture and history on an ongoing basis.  Bastille Day  14th July  Bastille Day is a significant festival and holiday in France that marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a symbolic act that ignited the French Revolution. This event was a pivotal moment in French history, signaling the start of the struggle against the monarchy’s absolute power and the fight for freedom, equality and solidarity.   Today, Bastille Day is celebrated with great fervor across France with festivities such as military parades, firework displays and communal gatherings. The iconic parade along the Champs-Élysées in Paris showcases France’s military might and cultural diversity, while smaller towns and villages hold their own festivities, featuring local traditions and cuisine.  Cultural Infusion provides a variety of skilled French presenters to assist schools throughout Australia in celebrating Bastille Day. Our Man of a Million Faces and Mime Magnifique! educational programs by renowned international entertainer, Chris, offer students the chance to join interactive and engaging workshops exploring French history and culture. These two programs, available in Victoria, teach students about French theatre life, including magic, mime art and Commedia dell’arte.  In terms of music, we also offer our Classic French Music educational program in New South Wales where our presenters play music from legendary French artists and contextualise the music to students by introducing the lyrics, instruments and cultural context. In Queensland, Les Chansons Françaises with Pauline gives students the opportunity to learn stories of her Parisienne childhood in an interactive vocal session with songs that explore intercultural understanding. Students will hear and speak French throughout the program and end the session learning to waltz!  Eid Al-Adha  16th July – 20th July  Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity and Judaism) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, before he could carry out the act, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.   During Eid Al-Adha, Muslims commemorate this story by sacrificing an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and sharing the meat with family, friends as well as the less fortunate. The festival also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a time for prayer, reflection and spending time with loved ones, emphasising the values of sacrifice, charity and community solidarity in the Islamic faith.  Nelson Mandela Day  18th July  Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated annually on his birthday, is a date to raise awareness of the life and legacy of a man who shaped both the 20th and 21st centuries. It is a time for everyone to rediscover the principles that motivated Nelson Mandela, a deep commitment to justice, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Nelson Mandela was a fierce advocate for equality and the founding father of peace in South Africa.  Nelson Mandela demonstrates to us the power of resisting oppression, of justice over inequality, of dignity over humiliation, and forgiveness over hatred. Let us keep in mind Nelson Mandela’s life lessons and the fundamental humanism that shaped him: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”  As also said by Nelson Mandela during the Rivonia Trial in 1964, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” His beliefs are in line with Cultural Infusion’s goals in building cultural harmony and wellbeing.   Racial Harmony Day  21st July  In Singapore, Racial Harmony Day is observed annually on July 21st to commemorate the importance of racial and religious harmony in the country. It marks the anniversary of the 1964 racial riots, a dark period in Singapore’s history.   The day is dedicated to promoting understanding, respect and unity among Singapore’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. Schools, workplaces and communities organise various activities such as cultural performances or sharing sessions to foster mutual respect and appreciation for Singapore’s multicultural fabric. Racial Harmony Day serves as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to building a harmonious and inclusive society, where people of different backgrounds can live and thrive together in peace.  Explore our cultural education programs which celebrate and share appreciation of practices and traditions across diverse cultures!  International Friendship Day  30th July  International Friendship Day is a global observance dedicated to promoting friendship and camaraderie among people from all walks of life. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering friendships, both old and new, and cultivating understanding and goodwill across cultures and borders. It’s a time to appreciate the meaningful connections we have with others and to reach out to friends, near and far, to show gratitude and solidarity.   International Friendship Day encourages acts of kindness, reconciliation and bridge-building, emphasising the universal value of friendship in creating a more peaceful and harmonious world.  To celebrate this day, choosing to participate in our cultural education programs which use cultural and artistic expression as a means of promoting social cohesion will allow students to forge strong bonds with each other. This will further help them create friendships based on mutual understanding and respect.   Book your July celebrations now!  Enquire about our cultural education programs available Australia-wide to celebrate important dates for the month of July.  Stay tuned for next month to learn the cultural dates to celebrate in August! 

Symbolic Art Workshop - Professional development

Cultural Infusion’s Comprehensive Professional Development and Resource

In today’s interconnected world, education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about nurturing an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment that prepares students for the diverse global landscape they will encounter. Here at Cultural Infusion, we offer a comprehensive range of curriculum-aligned programs and resources for educators, both virtual and in-person formats nationwide. Live Professional Development Programs We offer a range of interactive live sessions related to intercultural education, led by experienced facilitators and experts. Our sessions are crafted to equip teachers with the tools and insights needed to create culturally sensitive, inclusive and enriching learning environments. Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives in the Classroom: Designed to support teachers in addressing the Intercultural Capability component of the Australian Curriculum, this live session will provide teachers and educators with the necessary tools to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments for students. With its interactive format, including lecture slides, activities, practical resources and engaging discussion, teachers will gain invaluable skills and knowledge to prepare students for our increasingly interconnected world. Intercultural Competency in the Classroom: Aligned with the Cross Curriculum priority in the Australian Curriculum of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, this session will support teachers in respectfully and appropriately teaching this area of study. Co-facilitated by a First Nations presenter, the session will foster a safe and inclusive environment built on mutual respect and intercultural understanding. By engaging in the stories, knowledge, histories and experiences of First Nations peoples, and learning from one another, participants will learn the importance of positive reconciliation. The key objective of the session is to inspire reflection and critical thinking and provide important perspectives to honour First Nations voices in the classroom. Introducing DEI in Education: This live session will provide an introduction to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and apply its principles, practices and challenges to educational settings. The facilitator will provide teachers with new ideas and perspectives to ensure students feel represented, valued and included in the classroom. This will take an interactive format including lecture slides, activities, practical resources and engaging discussion. By fostering a safe and open environment for students, they will develop their critical and creative thinking and be empowered to reach their full potential. To recieve a personalised quote for any of the above sessions, submit an enquiry via the Education and Experiences website. Complementary Resources Educators receive access to complementary resources with every booking of our cultural education programs. These can include: Lesson Plans and Teacher Resource Notes: Equipping educators with expertly crafted plans to integrate cultural awareness and understanding seamlessly into the classroom. Student Learning Resources: Engaging materials that help students embrace and explore the world’s diverse cultures. Intercultural Understanding Guides: Comprehensive guides that assist educators in navigating the complexities of diversity, whilst fostering open and respectful dialogues within the classroom. Digital Resources: Exploring the World Virtually Cultural Infusion extends its impact beyond conventional resources with innovative digital platforms, designed to spark curiosity and exploration in an age-appropriate way Joko’s World: Catering to pre-school-aged children, this interactive game introduces children to the world’s musical instruments and cultural festivities through the captivating journey of Joko the Nightingale. Mungo Explorer: Delving into science, geology, and archaeology, this platform unravels the ancient story behind the world’s oldest ritual burials, enriching students’ understanding of our shared human history. Sound Infusion: An online platform that encourages inquiry-based learning by enabling students to craft musical arrangements using instrument samples sourced from all over the world! This term, my students have enjoyed their experiences with Sound Infusion. Using the student onboarding PDF provided, they logged on without difficultly. They enjoyed looking at instruments from different countries and learning about them, and accessing the arranging studio, hearing files to add into their own songs. It was great to have a close relationship with the creator of the program, which allowed us to easily troubleshoot any issues as new users. Tia – Kirwan State High School Free Webinars throughout the School Year Our easily accesible and informative pre-recorded webinars cover a number of topics including: Introduction to Intercultural Understanding and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Discover strategies to foster a harmonious classroom environment where diverse voices are celebrated and respected. Cultural Celebrations in the Classroom: Explore ways to integrate cultural celebrations and acknowledgements into the curriculum, encouraging appreciation and understanding of various traditions and teachings. Classroom Activities to Embrace Diversity: Tailored for pre-primary, primary and secondary school-level students, the activities in this program nurture curiosity and understanding, promoting inclusivity within an education setting. This was such a beneficial webinar and made me think about what I do and how I do it. Thank you. I had a very long day but it was totally worth my time to participate in your interactive and highly motivating webinar. Stacey, Wingham High School Register Your Interest The Education and Experiences Team is always eager to help. Feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected], or you can give us a call at 1800 010 069.