THIS MIGHT sound strange, but you can learn about English and information technology (IT) from dots and lines as well as frogs and kangaroos.
Since last September, students from Form Three to Form Six at Ning Po College have been learning from symbols of Australian Aboriginal art in a unique cross-cultural project. Art, English and IT students have searched the Internet for pictures and explanations, designed artwork in similar styles and become aware of a different culture.
This week they held an Australia Festival to showcase what they have learned. Australian films, music, food and study opportunities were also introduced.
'The Aborigines are in tune with nature and express their experiences through their art,' said Yin Lai-man, 15, a member of the school art club. 'For example, a dot means a source of water. A source of water gives life, so it also means life. That is why animals often appear to follow the dots,' she explained.
The Form Four student said she had also picked up new English words, such as 'ancestor'and 'spirit', during the six-month project.
Having such an extensive educational programme in one school is rare in Hong Kong, especially when it involves a foreign minority such as the Aborigines.
The teachers involved were diverse, coming from the English, art and design and IT departments. The multi-disciplinary project developed after the arrival of NET teacher Victor Christianopoulos, or Mr 'C' as students call him, two years ago. Mr C had previously used aboriginal art in teaching English and drama. As he shared his experiences with other teachers at the school, the opportunity for the project became clear.
