During the recent Term 3 holidays, 49 Year 10 and 11 students enjoyed a memorable 6-day trip to Canberra and Sydney.
Exploring Canberra
The tour kicked off in Canberra with a visit to Government House, the official residence of the Governor-General, where students learnt about the history and significance of this national landmark.
A visit to the Electoral Education Centre followed, where students participated in an interactive role-play, simulating the process of electing politicians to the House of Representatives. This activity made learning about democratic processes fun and engaging, simplifying complex ideas about government and politics.
In the evening, students took a twilight tour of the National Botanical Gardens, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the garden at night. It was a serene break from the busy schedule.
Hands-on Politics
A visit to the Museum of Australian Democracy was another highlight. Here, students enthusiastically took part in a lively role-play in the historic House of Representatives Chamber, debating issues and shouting their "aye aye" as mock motions were passed. This hands-on experience helped them understand the importance of civic participation.
At Parliament House, students gained a deeper understanding of Australia's modern political system. They toured the chambers where national decisions are made, learning about the legislative process and the role of parliament in shaping the country's future.
The visit to the Australian War Memorial was a powerful experience. Students viewed exhibits on Australia's involvement in World War I and II, reflecting on the sacrifices made by Australians in the name of peace and freedom. This visit gave them an opportunity to consider the importance of history and remembrance.
Balancing Learning with Fun
Physical activities were also a key part of the tour, ensuring a balance between learning and fun. Students enjoyed a scenic bike tour around Lake Burley Griffin, offering a chance to relax and appreciate Canberra's beauty. They also spent an evening bowling.
In Sydney, the group braved the rain for a walk along the famous Bondi Beach. They took in breathtaking views of one of Australia's most iconic coastal landmarks. The tour concluded with a visit to the Taronga Zoo, where students got up close with animals from around the world.
Emmysyn Dillon, in Year 11, sums up her experiences: "For me, the National War Memorial was one of the most memorable experiences, with sombre stories of Australian war heroes, many historical artefacts and the Roll of Honour all pulling at the heartstrings. It was also awesome getting up close to the animals at Taronga zoo—I got some wicked photos with the tigers!"
A Perfect Blend of Education and Adventure
Overall, the trip was a perfect blend of education, reflection, and adventure, leaving students with lots of fantastic memories and a deeper appreciation of Australia's rich history and democracy.
As Kaylee Hughes (Yr11) reflected: "The Canberra/Sydney Tour was such a great learning experience, I learnt so much and created many new friendships with people who I had never spoken to before. I am so grateful I was given this opportunity".
A special thank you to all the staff who made this experience possible.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of providing young Australians with the opportunity to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education.
To support families in covering the excursion costs, the Government is contributing $510.00 per student through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program. This rebate will be paid directly to the College upon completion of the trip.
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