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Northlakes High School
HSIE
Assessment Task
Major Project
Subject/Course: HSC Aboriginal Studies
Unit or Topic: Major Project
Assessment Task Number: 3
Assessment Task Name: Major Project
Weighting: 40%
Outcomes Assessed:
H4.1 plans, investigates, analyses, synthesises and communicates relevant information, incorporating
Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples’ perspectives
H4.2 undertakes community consultation and fieldwork and applies ethical research practices
Task Description:
The Major Project constitutes 40% of internal assessment, inclusive of the allocation of 15% for the student
log book. Assessment tasks related to the project may include a number of assessment components. It will
also form part of the HSC examination being weighted at 15% of the exam mark
Project Schedule
Due Date
Stage
Weighting
Term 4 2015 Week 4
Wednesday
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5%
Term 4 2015 Week 11
Wednesday by 3pm
2
Logbook Review
Term 1 2016 Week 10
Wednesday by 3pm
3
Logbook Review
Term 2 2016 Week 5 Friday
by 3pm
4
35%
Item/s
Project Consultation
Project & Logbook
Project Topics
Students should determine project topics after they have consulted with their teacher, the Aboriginal
Education Assistant (if available) and members of the Aboriginal community/ies where possible.
The Project topic can be based within the local Aboriginal community/ies or it may focus on an area of
interest beyond the local community/ies.
Projects can have a contemporary or historical, a personal or objective focus on individuals, communities,
families or organisations.
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Aboriginal artists: biographies of local or prominent personalities
Aboriginal Education in the local area
Aboriginal Housing
Aboriginal industries and trade
Aboriginal people and sport
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Aboriginal writers: biographies of local or prominent personalities
Area Health Services, What problems, what we do
Art, Research , create, present
Bush foods of the local area
Bush foods, research and get samples
Bush medicine
Bush medicines of the local area
Clothing, jewellery, decoration
Constellations book for kids
Contemporary music
Criminal justice on the Coast, Legal services, Kariong,
Dance, research, create, perform
Dreaming stories in the local area
Family trees/histories
History of local organisations: eg health service, preschools, legal service, Lands Council, welfare
organisations
Human Rights issues in Australia
Impact of Christianity
Indigenous recipe book
Kindy book. Activities to teach Aboriginal stuff
Land Rights and Native Title
Landscaping projects
Local Aboriginal enterprise
Local history
Local language and culture
Local sites of significance
Local stories – perhaps presented as an illustrated book for use in local schools (or a ‘big book’ for
primary schools)
Mandatory sentencing
Mission/reserve life in the local area
Native Garden, plant plants, research plants, interview Chris Nowland, get history
Northlakes High Aboriginal Programs
Oral histories (eg local identities involved in sport or community organisations)
Oral histories (eg war service in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam)
Presenting a self-guiding tour for the school’s collection of artefacts, with lesson plans, activity
sheets, etc, for use by primary students
Racism in Australia: history, current manifestations, discrimination, legislation, comparisons with
other groups
Self-guided tour for Aboriginal sites on Central Coast.
Stolen Generations: Aboriginal children in institutions
The Aboriginal Education Council
The Aboriginal Progress Association
The Aborigines Protection Board
The AECG and its operations
The Dreaming
Weapons and Tools, Didgeridoo, Research, create
It is important for students to identify and concentrate on a focus for their project topic.
For example, the topic ‘Aboriginal Art’ is immense and it would be best to focus on particular styles of
Aboriginal art, a particular artist or region or possibly the contribution of Aboriginal art to society. Students
choose the medium of presentation for their project from a variety of methods that may include:
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Final Presentation
The medium of presentation is left to the individual student. It can include:
• written reports
• performances of dance, music, song or drama
• writing of a play or poetry
• visual arts
• teaching/learning kit
• multimedia presentation
• photographic essay
• video presentation
• website
• and any other medium negotiated with the teacher. Presentations can include a variety of media.
Project Proposal
To ensure that you have given serious thought to your project topic you will complete a Project Proposal
form as Stage 1 of this Assessment Task. This requires students to outline the focus of their Project, its
scope, and the community consultation that will take place and how they will overcome difficulties in finding
information.
The Project Proposal will allow your teacher to ensure that you are setting realistic goals and have
considered community consultation as an integral part of your research.
A Project Proposal form is found at the back of this booklet and is set out as per the HSC Aboriginal
Studies Syllabus support document (page 43) which can be found at;
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/pdf_doc/aboriginalstud_hsc_support.doc
You will present your project proposal as part of your Project Consultation on
Term 4 2015 Week 4 Wednesday Period 4
Project Consultation
This will involve:
 handing a completed written Project Proposal as per the instructions and format found Major Project
Booklet
 Answering any questions the teacher has in regards to your Project Proposal during the
consultation
 Questions may be asked specifically in regards to:
- The nature of your project (what is it you are going to do)
- What questions are you attempting to answer?
- What sources are you using?
- What ways are you going to utilise community consultation? (Who, Why, When)
- What method of presentation are you going to use?
- What will be the most difficult aspect of your project?
- How do you plan to overcome these difficulties?
- What do you hope to learn from the project?
- What planning have you already completed?
- What clear steps do you need to take to bring your project to completion?
You will be assessed on:
 Select and organise resources and evaluate their usefulness\
 Displays a clear understanding of the role of Community Consultation in your project
 Plan an investigation and identify what is required to complete it
 Communicate clearly and directly using appropriate language and concepts
The Marking Criteria can be found at the end of the booklet.
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The Log and Community Fieldwork
The log is an essential tool through which the student must be able to demonstrate the conceptual and
sequential development of their project, including all fieldwork undertaken. The log should also reflect
ethical research and methodological issues that were raised and/or addressed in the project. As such, it is
an ongoing diary that documents all work completed as part of the project research.
The log:
 provides an initial summary and outline of the complete research process
 records values, attitudes and feelings
 reflects honestly on issues encountered during the research, and their resolution
 records conversations, contacts, readings and sources of secondary data
 clearly records Aboriginal community input into the project conceptualisation and development
 describes methods used to interpret data.
The marking of the log will encompass these elements. Community fieldwork is an essential component of
the project. It should be ongoing throughout the duration of the Major Project, and must be thoroughly
documented. This includes a record of all meetings, letters, phone calls and interviews.
The Project Logbook
The Logbook is a compulsory element of the Project. It must be completed by all students and is weighted
at 15 of the 40 available marks for this section of the course assessment.
The purpose of the Logbook is to allow students to demonstrate the process of their Project. This will allow
students who have problems receiving responses or finding appropriate information to still receive marks
for their efforts. It also shows the knowledge and skills learned in the Research and Inquiry Methods
section of the course have been put to practical use.
The Logbook must be an accurate and ongoing record of all work done on the Project. It will include copies
of all correspondence, records of phone calls, interviews, research and the time and date they took place.
The Logbook is also a place for students to reflect upon their research and consider adjustments to how
their Project will finally be presented.
The Logbook is also a record to show that genuine community consultation has taken place.
The Logbook does not need to consist only of written text. Students producing artwork, or music or other
creative works should include sketches, song lyrics or other thoughts as part of their Logbook.
The Logbook should not only be an account of community fieldwork, but also the student’s reflection on the
process of learning and what they have gained from completing the Project.
Protocols
Protocols are appropriate ways of behaving, communicating, consulting and showing respect for diversity of
history and culture. Protocols make vary from community to community.
When making contact with members of your Aboriginal community/ies:
• be aware that resources are stretched to the limit
• make sure you give plenty of notice for appointments or visits
• have realistic expectations of how people may be able to help
• be willing to adapt your program/approaches on advice from the Aboriginal community/ies
• always respond to requests and concerns put forward by Aboriginal people who are assisting you
• recognise and respect Aboriginal people’s skill and expertise
• always acknowledge the contribution of Aboriginal peoples to your work (this involves footnotes and
bibliography)
• make appointments beforehand and explain the purpose of the meeting
• as you will need to take notes or record the meeting/interview ask permission before you begin
• always be polite and offer your thanks for any assistance
• when interviewing people make sure you have the questions already prepared before the interview.
Give a copy of the questions to the person before the interview. This will allow them to be prepared.
It will also enable them to let you know if any of the questions are inappropriate.
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Issues of Copyright
Within the final presentation of the Project, you must acknowledge the sources of all quotations,
photographs, illustrations, text and periodical articles as per the requirements of All My Own Work.
A sample participation agreement between the student and the community member is included on page 14.
The aim of this agreement is to acknowledge the rights of the participant (community member) and the
responsibilities of the student. For each person you interview you will need to have one of these
agreements completed.
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Aboriginal Studies Project Proposal
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
1.
Project topic: ___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2.
Project title: ____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
3.
Identify the essential question/s for your topic: __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Identify two subsidiary questions for your topic: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5.
List 4 sources of information that will assist you in your research.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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6.
Who do you plan to include in your community consultation? Include the names and contact details
of the people and/or organisations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7.
How do you plan to present your Project? ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8.
What do you see as the most difficult part of your Project? How do you plan to overcome these
difficulties?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9.
List any expenses you may have. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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What do you hope to learn from undertaking your Project?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Assessing the Major Project
Criteria for assessing the Major Project
The following criteria will be used to assess the Major Project:
• Evidence of an Aboriginal perspective
Does the Project take into account Aboriginal peoples’ views?
Is community consultation evident in the Project?
• Clarity
Is the topic clearly explained?
Is the purpose of the Project clear?
• Originality
Is there evidence of original work in:
design
presentation
research?
• Content
Is the content accurate?
Is the content relevant to the topic?
Have accurate and appropriate conclusions been reached?
• Process
Is there evidence in the Logbook of a systematic approach to the investigation?
Is the Logbook a thorough representation of the process?
Is genuine community consultation evident in the Logbook?
• Communication skills
Has the student effectively communicated his or her ideas in the final presentation?
Does the Project have a clear structure that effectively communicates the key concepts covered?
• Ethical implications
Have all sources been acknowledged accurately?
Would the research breach confidentiality?
Would the research pose a threat to others in the school, Aboriginal communities or the wider community?
The Logbook
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Your Project Consultation will be the time that you present your project proposal.
It will involve a consultation with your teacher.
The Logbook will be an ongoing diary documenting all work completed as part of
the project research. It will show a sequential development of the project and
include all community work undertaken.
Community work should be ongoing throughout the duration of the Major Project
and must be thoroughly documented. This includes a record of all meetings.
Project Product
25
Marks
40
A project based within the local Aboriginal community/ies or on an area of
interest beyond the local community/ies. A proposal must be submitted first.
Presentation and findings can be presented in a number of ways but a written
report needs to be approximately 2000 words. All sources must be
acknowledged.
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Project Consultation
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extensive knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
detailed accurate and ongoing record of all work done on the project
extensive knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective
and genuine community consultation
shows clear evidence of planning and review strategies to bring the Major Project
to completion in a logical manner
accomplished knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application
in undertaking fieldwork
detailed accurate and ongoing record of all work done on the project
accomplished knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for
effective and genuine community consultation
shows clear evidence of planning and review strategies to bring the Major Project
to completion
sound knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
accurate and ongoing record of all work done on the project
sound knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective and
genuine community consultation
shows some evidence of planning and review strategies to bring the Major Project
to completion
demonstrates knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
record of some work done on the project
basic knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective and
genuine community consultation
shows basic evidence of planning and review strategies to bring the Major Project
to completion
demonstrates minimal awareness of research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
minimal record of work done on the project
elementary knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective
and genuine community consultation
describes limited evidence of planning and understanding of what is required to
bring the project to a successful conclusion
Work not submitted or not meeting minimum requirements
Evidence of significant plagiarism
Marks
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The Logbook
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extensive knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
detailed accurate and ongoing record of all work done on the project
extensive knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective and
genuine community consultation
evidence of student’s reflection on the process of learning and what they have
gained from completing the Project
accomplished knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
detailed accurate and ongoing record of all work done on the project
accomplished knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective
and genuine community consultation
evidence of student’s reflection on the process of learning and what they have
gained from completing the Project
sound knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
accurate and ongoing record of all work done on the project
sound knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective and
genuine community consultation
some evidence of student’s reflection on the process of learning and what they
have gained from completing the Project
demonstrates knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
record of some work done on the project
basic knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective and
genuine community consultation
some evidence of student’s reflection on the process of learning and what they
have gained from completing the Project
demonstrates minimal awareness of research practices and their application in
undertaking fieldwork
minimal record of work done on the project
elementary knowledge and understanding of protocols and methods for effective
and genuine community consultation
limited or no evidence of student’s reflection on the process of learning and what
they have gained from completing the Project
Marks
9 – 10
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5–6
3–4
1–2
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Project Product
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critically analyses a wide variety of visual and written stimulus material in relation to
the study of Aboriginal people/s
investigates, analyses and synthesises information from an Aboriginal people’s
perspectives
extensive knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking community consultation and fieldwork
plans and designs a research framework in a highly organised manner which gives
a clear description of the purpose and focus of the project
effectively communicates information in the final presentation with all the key
concepts covered
superior skills in processing information
analyses competently a wide variety of visual and written stimulus material in
relation to the study of Aboriginal people/s
investigates and analyses information from an Aboriginal people’s perspective
accomplished knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking community consultation and fieldwork
plans and designs a research framework in an organised manner which gives a
clear description of the purpose and focus of the project
satisfactorily communicates information in the final presentation with most of the
key concepts covered
shows competent skills in processing information
investigates a variety of visual and written stimulus material in relation to the study
of Aboriginal people/s
investigates information from an Aboriginal people’s perspective
sound knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking community consultation and fieldwork
plans and designs a research framework by attempting to use source information
descriptively. The purpose and focus of the Project is evident.
communicates information in the final presentation with most of the key concepts
covered
shows some competent skills in processing information
draws on a variety of visual and written stimulus material in relation to the study of
Aboriginal people/s
recounts information from an Aboriginal people’s perspective
some knowledge of appropriate research practices and their application in
undertaking community consultation and fieldwork
endeavours to plan research framework by attempting to use source information
descriptively. Some evidence of the purpose and/or focus of the Project are
evident.
attempts to communicate information in the final presentation with limited reference
to key concepts covered.
shows minimal skills in processing information
attempts to recount information from an Aboriginal people’s perspective
limited knowledge of some research practices
limited evidence of community consultation and/or fieldwork
limited evidence of planning or what the purpose or focus of the Project was.
attempts to recount information in the final presentation with limited reference to
key concepts covered.
shows minimal skills in processing information
non-attempt
Marks
21 – 25
16 - 20
11 - 15
6 – 10
1-5
0
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NORTHLAKES HIGH
ABORIGINAL STUDIES
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
1. I, ______________________________________________ (Community participant’s name) of
_____________________________________________________________________________
have agreed to make this interview for the purpose of research for the Major Project, which is part
of the Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies course. I understand that any further use of this material will
need my consent.
I understand that *I am or *my community/country is the custodian and still owns the intellectual
property/copyright in this interview, but that I am giving permission for the student named below to
use this information for the Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies HSC Major Project and that it is not to be
reproduced by anyone else.
I *do/do not want to be able to check the material before it is published or presented for display.
I *do/do not want my name acknowledged in the final presentation.
I *do/do not want a copy of the finished Project.
Participant’s signature ___________________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________________________
2. I, __________________________________________________________(student’s name) of
_______________________________________________________________ (Student’s school)
agree to abide by the decisions of the above community member.
Student’s signature: ____________________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________________________
*Circle the preferred option.
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NORTHLAKES HIGH
ABORIGINAL STUDIES
Aboriginal Studies Major Project
Note to Parents/Guardians
Please read, sign and have your child return the form below
This is to inform parents/guardians that their child ……………………………………………………….
is currently studying Aboriginal Studies and as a result …………………………………………….……
will have to complete a Major Project. The Project, which involves original research on a topic of
the student’s own choosing, is carried out in class time and the student’s own time. This research
may involve visits to sites by each student independently.
The Major Project is set out in three stages and students are required to meet deadlines for each
stage of the Project, so that they can be submitted for assessment. It must be emphasised that
this assessment task contributes to the final Higher School Certificate assessment mark. It is
worth 40% of the total mark.
The Major Project will be formally examined in the HSC examination in Section III – Research and
Inquiry Methods. It is worth 15% of the total examination mark.
signed: …………………………………………………………………..….. date: …………………………