Our Model: Community-Led Cultural Learning That Drives Student Success
The NKEFAC model represents a unique, community-embedded approach to improving Aboriginal student academic achievement by integrating cultural mentoring, educational support, and intergenerational partnerships. It operates within the Balga Senior High School cluster in Perth, Western Australia, and connects with six local primary schools: Balga, Bonyare, Dryandra, North Balga, Waddington, and Warriapendi.
This model is coordinated through the Aboriginal Cultural Learning Hub (ACLH) based at Balga SHS and includes key elements described below.
Schools working together, supported by a case management approach.
All schools benefiting with Aboriginal Culture and/or Language weekly programs.
Interventions targeting student achievement, achieving parity with Australian achievement standards.
- Early years phonics and numeracy (K-3).
- In-school tutoring targeting Mathematics, English and Science for Year 7-10 (currently) and with Year 4-6 with additional resourcing.
- Attaining Certificate II in Leadership Year 10-11 and Year 12 Traineeship placements in Work Skills at Cluster Schools.
Involving Aboriginal community and family strengths.
K-12 Case Management – no child left behind.
1. Central Coordination Hub
The heart of the model is the Central Coordination Hub involving:
Management and reporting of student Case Management
Timetabling all activities and interventions in collaboration with schools.
Support and development of staff delivering Culture and Language programs.
Coordination and support for Aboriginal Elder Mentors.
Direct support with K-3 phonics and numeracy programs
Engagement and support for In-Schools Tutors employed.
Coordination support for Traineeship Mentors and School work placements.
2. Local High School & Primary Schools Working Together
The model connects a local high school (Balga SHS) with feeder primary schools in the area. Students move through a supported educational pathway enriched by:
Seamless collaboration between schools.
Commitment to the Case Management communication needs.
Mentorship and tutoring support across year levels.
Continuity in cultural education from early childhood to graduation.
3. Central Coordination Care
A dedicated support team works behind the scenes to bring everything together. This group includes:
Aboriginal Elders - Providing cultural guidance, mentoring, and advocacy.
Education Support Workers - Ensuring strong academic scaffolding.
University Students & Student Mentors - Assisting in tutoring and program delivery.
Parents & Community Members - Engaging families to walk alongside schools.
Student Enterprise Initiatives - Encouraging leadership and practical skills.
This central coordination ensures all components of the model are student-focused, responsive, and deeply rooted in community values.
4. Partnerships & Inputs
Our work has commenced with input from two philanthropic sources and now we seek further resourcing support through:
Philanthropic Supporters
Government Grants
Partnering with other Community Organisations
These partnerships will enable innovation, evaluation, and long-term sustainability of the model.
A LIVING MODEL WITH IMPACT
We are not just teaching; we are growing leadership, identity, and opportunity that is grounded in culture. The NKEFAC model is showing strong early success in both academic outcomes and student engagement. As we continue to refine and expand this work, our goal is to document a scalable, cost-effective model that can be replicated in other communities.
kaya@ngalakoolangka.org.au