23 October 2025
During the school holidays, two groups of Year 6 students and Junior School staff went to Canberra to experience the significant landmarks located in our Nation’s Capital.
Following early flights out of Adelaide on the Wednesday morning the touring parties arrived in Canberra and boarded the tour bus. This began a very busy three days visiting locations and making connections with prior learning for the students.
The visits to Mt Ainslie and the National Capital Exhibition provided students with an understanding of the design and development of Canberra. The guides challenged the student’s thinking about the important features of a city and why the location of Canberra was chosen.
Questacon at night was a wonderful experience. The students were able to explore the complex, challenging their scientific knowledge.
Our tour of Parliament House provided an opportunity to view the two chambers. The students were able to make connections with our Civics and Citizenship learning from earlier in the year and enjoyed the chance to role play the making of a Bill.
The National Museum of Australia provided the opportunity to explore all the interactive displays on offer. The National Gallery and Portrait Gallery were similarly fascinating, with intricate paintings and beautiful sculptures throughout the galleries.
Visiting the Australian Institute of Sport was a highlight for many, touring around the world-class training facilities used by the top athletes of Australia. The students in the second tour group were able to use Sportex, an interactive experience where we virtually competed against Australian athletes.
We visited the Australian War Memorial as well – and our tour guides told us legendary stories of the ANZACs and other service people who have sacrificed for the freedoms we have today. Following our tours we stood by the pool of remembrance and a wreath was laid in honour of the service people who have attended our School.
After three fun days, we ended our trip with a shared meal and boarded our flight back to Adelaide. It was certainly an amazing trip enjoyed by all students and staff.
The students enjoyed the opportunity to visit Canberra and 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. The Australian Government contributes $90 per student funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program.
Mr Ben Storer
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing and Administration
