Year 7 Canberra Trip

Last week Year 7 students enjoyed their second camp of the year - their make-up trip to our Nation’s Capital City, Canberra. Our 4-day itinerary was jam-packed with many educational and fun tours and activities. Our first stop was a very active visit to the Australian Institute of Sport. We then headed off to guided tours of the war memorials along Anzac Parade and the National Museum. 

Day 2 gave us some great insights into the inner workings of our modern democracy through our visits to both the old and new Parliament Houses and the High Court of Australia. Question Time in the House of Representatives was a definite highlight for many students who were surprised to see our Prime Minister Scott Morrison in person, and also witness two MPs being ejected from the chamber for poor behaviour! Viewing the lunar eclipse through telescopes in the forecourt of Parliament House topped off a huge day. 

Day 3 was a very fun and active day, shooting down a freezing but exhilarating mountain at Corrin Forrest on toboggins, and then onto a bicycle ride around the beautiful and autumnal colours of Lake Burley-Griffin. We also saw how the Australian Mint uses robots to make our coins. Views of the beautiful city from the tops of Mount Ainsley and Telstra Tower made for some memorable selfies. 

On our final day we visited The National Aboretum and the Electoral Education Centre where holograms and role play explained how our preferential voting system works. Over the four days our students created new friendships and cemented current ones, and learned how as a year group we are better together - well done Year 7! 

All students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.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 of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid to the school upon completion of the excursion.