During the last week of Term 3, our Year 6 students had an educational tour of the national capital, Canberra. Students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

Our trip was off to a flying start with a visit to the National Capital Exhibition where we heard the history of Canberra and its creation, followed by a birds-eye view of the city and surround from atop Black Mountain “Telstra” Tower and finished off the day with a delicious pizza and pasta meal at a local restaurant.

The students’ knowledge of political processes, through their learning at school, was reinforced and clearly on display as they confidently answered questions and participated in mock elections at The National Electoral Education Centre and enacted parliamentary processes at Parliament House.

Black Mountain “Telstra” Tower

Visits to the CSIRO Discovery Centre, Questacon and Australian Institute of Sport provided students with ‘hands-on’ opportunities to engage with science and sport, whilst a visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium had students being ‘hands-on’ with a snake!

Excursions to the National Gallery, Royal Mint, National Museum and Australian War Memorial, further enhanced our knowledge of Australian history and culture.                                 

Parliament House

The week away was jam-packed full of learning and excitement throughout the day, with barely a minute to spare. After dinner activities included: ten pin bowling, Flipout and a swim at the National Aquatic Centre. Co-operation and collaboration skills were demonstrated consistently across the many activities completed in small groups, through random dinner seating arrangements and daily through being responsible for their own shared accommodation and belongings. 

It was an absolute pleasure to be with this group of students as they represented themselves, their families and school in such an outstanding manner, demonstrating their personal best at all times. Everywhere we went we were commended by venue staff and community members on our exemplary attitude, respectful behaviour and appearance.  Our bus driver Chris, claimed that we were the best group he had ever taken!

                         Australian War Museum

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 contributed funding of $200 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.             

Matthew Perry and Lyn Brown