Year 6 Canberra National Tour

Our Year 6 cohort have just returned from six days in Canberra. Students were outstanding as they navigated their way through airports, bus transport and numerous visits of the many exclusive sites our Nation’s Capital has to offer. Every day was packed to the brim with unique and rewarding experiences.

Students visited both Old and New Parliament House where they got first-hand knowledge of Australia’s electoral system, Australian Prime Ministers and Federation. We were fortunate enough to witness Question Time and had the honour of meeting our Federal member for Fisher, Mr Andrew Wallace. 

Although sombre and reflective, the Australian War Memorial provided the time and space for students to explore the sacrifice and hardship many men and women experienced to deliver the world of peace they now exist in. Students were also fortunate enough to visit the Governor General at his residence, explore Questacon, CSIRO, Geoscience Centre, Dinosaur Museum, Zoo and Aquarium and National Museum. Such examples of experiential learning help students consolidate their classroom learnings in a real, tangible learning environment.

This vast and complex learning experience would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the Year 6 teachers Mrs Linda Sydes, Mr Damien Johns and Mr Stuart Pohlner who have worked closely with their students throughout the year in preparing them for this experience. We were also extremely well supported by Mr Andrew Block and Mrs Pia Foxlow and Mel Ousley from our Learning Enrichment Department, Miss Georgia Snelling and our Outdoor Education Facilitators Mrs Tegan Luker and Jay Williams. A special mention goes out to Mrs Natalie Campbell who took the reins as Tour Coordinator and ensured that students and staff alike were supported and prepared for each day and its outcomes.

The National Capital Tour is undertaken with assistance from the Federal Government as part of their PACER (Parliament and Civics Educational Rebate) program. The rebate is paid directly to the College upon completion of the tour.

Mr Nicholas Tait, Head of Outdoor Education and Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator