Ainslie School

The Story of Ainslie School traces the rich history of the school and its surrounding community, grounding its narrative in the land beneath it. The story begins by acknowledging the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal, Ngambri and Kamberri peoples as the traditional custodians of the land, whose connection to Country stretches back tens of thousands of years. Through the voices of seven “Earthkin” trees, the story weaves together Deep Time, Indigenous culture, colonial settlement, and the founding of Canberra.

Ainslie School opened in 1927 as one of the first purpose-built government schools in the newly forming capital. Designed in the Art Deco style and now heritage-listed, it symbolised a national vision for education in a democratic city. Across generations, the school has nurtured students in academics, the arts, sport, languages, and cultural exchange, including a longstanding partnership with Japan.

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The purpose of the story is to connect students with Country, community, and history, encouraging care, curiosity, and belonging. It reminds readers that Ainslie School is more than buildings, it is a living story of learning, respect, and shared responsibility that continues into the future

Our in-house illustrator came along to the meetings at the school, researched the artistic influences of Canberra at the local museums and galleries and facilitated the teachers and leaders reached out to the local Indigenous community for their review and contribution to the work. Then working in close feedback loops with the school and writer - she developed 10 images to tell the story of Ainslie School. 

We then worked with local talent to make a set of resources for the school. With a goal of supporting teachers to integrate the story across the curriculum.

- Narrated story in English with images
- Teacher Pedagogy videos to support integrated curriculum
- Resource Access Posters

- Hard Cover Books

After the package was full of resources for teachers - we had a very successful story launch day, where teachers continued their journey around the pedagogy of teaching through narrative. We shared and celebrated the story and made a plan for what integration can look like at every level, Early Childhood to Senior Students.