In August 2023, the best of what Australia’s education system has to offer was recognised and celebrated when more than 800 principals, deputies, department heads and teachers converged at the Australian Education Awards 2023.
The nation’s top educators and schools were recognised across 28 award categories, including the national awards of Education Perfect Australian School Principal of the Year and the Education Perfect Australian School of the Year.
A win for Marble Bar Primary School
Marble Bar Virtual Worlds was named the nation’s Ideagen CompliSpace Best First Nations Program in an Australian School for 2023.
Principal Shane Wilson accepted the Ideagen CompliSpace Best First Nations Education Program award for the school’s virtual reality program, Marble Bar Virtual Worlds.
The Marble Bar Virtual Worlds provides a digital space to preserve and showcase local First Nations’ culture, art, language and history using VR technology. Working with Nyamal Elders and leaders, the school initiative sparks students’ curiosity and passion and helps them develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture and history.
Mr Wilson said the school staff were overcome with pride and joy to receive the national award.
“It is surreal and humbling to be recognised as the best First Nations Education Program developed by a school in Australia,” Mr Wilson said.
“The award is a celebration of years of hard work, further to the school community’s other achievements.”
The small regional school has just over 20 students but together with the staff, they have been acknowledged with numerous awards for their passion and dedication to sharing local Aboriginal art and culture through virtual reality.
“The Marble Bar Virtual World is transforming the concept of a school network in education, connecting local and global audiences from some of the most geographically isolated places in the world including Marble Bar,” Mr Wilson said.
Read more on this win
Read all the media and articles on this win: