Last week our Year 6 students undertook their Study Tour of Canberra. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.  

Early Wednesday morning, our 2023 Year 6 Cohort assembled at St Catherine’s Lane, ready to take a bus to Melbourne Airport for our flight to Canberra. Once arriving in Canberra, our first destination was the National Arboretum, where we embarked on an exciting orienteering activity. Navigating through the sprawling grounds, we had the opportunity to explore the diverse collection of trees and plants while honing our map-reading and navigation skills. 

Next, we made our way to the renowned Australian Institute of Sport, where we enjoyed a guided tour of their impressive facilities. The tour provided us with a behind-the-scenes look at the world-class training venues and offered fascinating insights into the lives of elite athletes. We also had the chance to immerse ourselves in the Sportex interactive exhibit, participating in various interactive sporting simulations. 

Continuing our exploration, we visited the National Gallery of Australia, where we focused on their captivating exhibitions. Admiring the works of renowned artists, we deepened our understanding of the diverse and significant art world. To conclude our day, we visited Cockington Green Gardens, a charming miniature village. We marvelled at the intricate small structures and had a delightful ride on a steam train. 

On Thursday morning, we made our way to the Mt Ainslie Lookout, where we enjoyed breathtaking views of the Parliamentary Triangle and the cityscape. Before heading to ANZAC Parade, we participated in a guided tour of the memorials, learning about the rich history and significance of these monuments. 

Our next stop was Parliament House, where we embarked on a guided tour and received a lesson on the inner workings of Australian democracy. We also had the opportunity to visit the Royal Thai Embassy, immersing ourselves in Thai culture and learning about diplomatic relations. 

Continuing our exploration, we visited the High Court of Australia, gaining insights into the country’s judicial system. We then proceeded to Questacon, where we engaged in interactive science exhibits and enjoyed hands-on learning experiences. 

On Friday, we visited the Museum of Australian Democracy, delving into the nation’s democratic heritage. We also paid our respects at the Australian War Memorial, honouring the sacrifices of those who served for Australia in conflicts throughout the years. 

Finally, we departed from Canberra Airport for our journey home after a memorable and enriching visit to Canberra. 

Overall, our days were filled with adventure, culture, and exploration as we experienced the highlights of Canberra’s attractions. 

Study tours offer valuable educational experiences beyond the classroom, promoting curiosity, critical thinking, and social skills. They foster cultural awareness, independence, and the development of lifelong learning habits. Several of our Year 6 students provide their reflections on the Study Tour below. 

“In Canberra we went to a lot of different places like Parliament House, Old Parliament House, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the War Memorial, the Royal Thai Embassy, and my favourite, Questacon. At Parliament House we saw the House of Representatives and the Senate. We also role played introducing a bill. When we went to the AIS they showed us the different sports they have such as volleyball, swimming, gymnastics, and the gym. We also got to play there. At the Royal Thai Embassy, they taught us how to count to ten in Thai and other fun facts. At the end of the Embassy visit we did a traditional Thai dance.”
Stavroula (Voula) Hronopoulos 

“On the 28 July, the St Catherine’s Year 6 group had their last day in Canberra. For most students, including myself, the highlight of their last day was the Australian War Memorial. It served as a great reminder of the agonising impact of war, and the sacrifice of our ancestors. It held many interesting exhibits, and although we didn’t get much time there, everyone still took a lot of information from it. I enjoyed the tranquility of the room where the unknown soldier rests. He represents all the Australian soldiers who have lost their lives during times of war.”
Adison Plunkett 

“One of my favourite places in Canberra was Cockington Green Gardens. It was fun to see all the miniature buildings and to read the descriptions. There was another area where all the buildings were from all around the world. It was interesting to see how buildings from other countries were made. For example, the Ukraine building was very majestic. There was also a steam train where you could ride around. Another one of my favourite places was the Australian War Memorial. I liked the dioramas of the war and how detailed it was. I also loved how they had a wall full of the names of the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and World War II. There were poppies all over the wall, to show how incredibly brave they were to sacrifice their lives for the peace of countries. One thing the War Memorial does is pick a soldier or nurse who lost their life and do a ceremony for them. They do this every day and invite their relatives to the ceremony.”
Saya Stokes 

“Canberra has been one of the greatest experiences. I loved and enjoyed everywhere we went but there was one place that I liked more than the others and that was Old Parliament House. I really found this place amusing and intriguing. The interactive gallery was fun and challenging. You played democracy games while learning new things on the way. My favourite place though was the Senate. It was where the parliament sat, and we learnt about the Governor Generals and what they wore.”
Imogen Herron 

“The Canberra Study Tour was a very enjoyable, educational, and memorable experience. I liked spending time with friends while learning about the importance of the different places in Canberra. I especially loved visiting Parliament House, as it was interesting and exciting to see the different rooms such as the Senate and the House of Representatives. I certainly learned a lot about the importance of the roles of people in parliament. I loved the Canberra trip, and I am very grateful to have been on it. It’s a tour that I will always remember.”
Joy Lovegrove 

“Canberra was an amazing and educational experience. I feel very fortunate to have been able to visit the capital of Australia. I remarkably enjoyed Cockington Green Garden and Questacon, both were astonishing and amusing attractions. Cockington Green is a location that has an undersized train that tours you around the village consisting of houses, pools, animals etc. They also had a beautiful gift shop with miniature figurines. Questacon was a delight to visit. It is a science centre with fun adventures and activities inside. I thoroughly enjoyed the steep metal slide.”
Ivana Gattino 

 “The Canberra Study Tour was an amazing experience for everyone. The day always started with a scrumptious breakfast and a quick chat while we ate. Some of my favourite activities were the AIS, Cockington Green Garden and both Parliament Houses. The AIS was also so much fun. We all got to play on the different Olympic machines and see some of the amazing facilities.”
Chloe (Coco) Williams 

“Canberra was an experience I will always remember. We filled the days doing so many wonderful activities, and everyone learned a lot. My favourite thing would probably have been the AIS. It was so cool seeing some of the Olympic facilities and having a sports session to try everything out. Parliament House, old and new, were interesting. We got to sit in the Senate and the House of Representatives and even tried some role plays.”
Charlotte Morris 

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 contributes funding of $45 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. 

To view a full gallery of Canberra Study Tour, 2023 images click here to download.