In the first week of school holidays, students from Year 7-9 travelled to Canberra for an unforgettable experience exploring the nation’s capital.
During the four days, our students explored the heart of Australian democracy, history and culture. After jetting off on Monday morning, the group headed straight from the airport into the National Capital Exhibition to hear the story of how Canberra came to be, then spent the afternoon getting hands-on at Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre. Excitement was high from the very first day, and students were eager to see everything the capital had to offer.
Day two began on a high-energy note at the Australian Institute of Sport, where students explored the facilities and were challenged at the Sportex, testing themselves against some of the challenges athletes face. From there, the focus turned to how Australia is governed. Students toured Parliament House, learning about how laws are made, and took part in a session with the Parliamentary Education Office debating their own law before heading to the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Students finished off the day at the National Portrait Gallery, where they considered the people who have shaped our nation. Many students were struck by the scale and significance of the places where our laws are made, and it was wonderful to see them connect what they learn in the classroom to the real thing.
On day three, students saw how our justice and electoral systems work up close. After a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Australian Mint, the group visited the High Court of Australia and the Electoral Education Centre, where they were curious and keen to ask questions. Students learned about the role of the High Court as well as getting involved in a hands-on voting simulation. In the afternoon, we visited the Australian War Memorial, where the day ended with the Last Post Ceremony. Our two Year 9 students, Chloe and Sim, represented the school with great maturity and pride by laying wreaths during the ceremony, a moving moment for everyone present. Students were reflective and quietly emotional as they listened to the stories of those who served, and they represented the school beautifully.
On our final day, students tackled an orienteering challenge at the National Arboretum, toured Government House, and explored the Making a Nation exhibition at the National Museum of Australia. Students left Canberra proud, inspired and a little sad to say goodbye, and we arrived back in Adelaide that evening, tired but full of stories.
As part of the trip, families have access to the PACER rebate, a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to support students’ on-site learning about national democratic, historical and cultural institutions in Canberra.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $135.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
A big thank you to the staff who gave up their time to supervise the trip and to the families who supported their children to take part. Most of all, thank you to our students, whose curiosity, manners and enthusiasm made this a wonderful trip!
