Matthew Flinders Anglican College (Flinders) on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia embarked on a meaningful journey to celebrate and value local Indigenous culture through a unique collaboration with award-winning First Nations artist Jandamarra Cadd. The project, led by the Year 4 students, aimed to acknowledge and express appreciation for Indigenous heritage on the College campus.
Matthew Flinders Anglican College is committed to nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and social justice. They sought a creative and respectful way to incorporate local Indigenous culture into their learning environment.
Students’ Ideas Come to Life:
Driven by the i-Impact design thinking curriculum, Flinders’ Year 4 students engaged in a five-step process, from empathising with the importance of Indigenous culture to defining, ideating, prototyping and testing solutions. The winning idea involved custom-designed pencil cases, with a select group collaborating with Jandamarra to bring the artwork to life.
Visual Representation and Delivery:
REP Merch transformed plain pencil cases into canvases of art. The resulting designs, representing Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi landmarks and the journey of First Nations Peoples, now serve as daily companions for students, fostering a deeper connection to their sense of place on the College campus and in the Sunshine Coast region.
Feedback:
The response from Flinders has been overwhelmingly positive. The custom-designed pencil cases are not only a visual representation but also a source of pride for students. The thoughtful incorporation of Indigenous culture into everyday items empowers students and reinforces their agency in bringing entrepreneurial ideas to life.
“This project outcome has empowered our students, as they realise that have agency in bringing their entrepreneurial ideas to life,” said Mrs Trudi Edwards, Head of Primary School at Flinders. REP Merch are proud to have been the go-to promotional supplier for Matthew Flinders Anglican College and think the result speaks for itself.
The collaboration between Flinders and Jandamarra, supported by REP Merch, stands as a testament to the power of design thinking, cultural celebration and meaningful partnerships. At REP Merch, we are all about that.
Interested in creating something special and unique at your school or business?
Make sure to reach out to one of our friendly consultants below.