The Year 6 Canberra Trip took place in Week 2 of Term 4. This long-awaited trip will be the highlight for the graduating class of 2024, with many fabulous memories made. The Canberra Trip gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. We took 66 students and 7 staff to Canberra, flying to Sydney then a bus to Canberra. The students managed this fantastically and should be proud of their resilience during the long journey to Canberra.
Our trip to Canberra included a visit to many of the well-known civic landmarks of our nation’s capital, such as the High Court, National Gallery and a highlight for many, the Australian War Memorial (AWM). We also had a bus tour down ANZAC Parade, around the Embassies that reside here and a visit to Mt Ainslie to get a view of Canberra from high above. Parliament House was another highlight. The students got to tour the building, looking in on the Senate and House of Representatives. Unfortunately, there were no members sitting or debating bills but the houses were impressive nonetheless. Everywhere we went, students were praised for their excellent behaviour throughout our visit. While at Parliament House, we also recreated a real-life House of Representatives bill submission, with the students taking on roles such as the ‘Speaker’, the ‘Prime Minister, and ‘Opposition Leader’, to name a few. Students debated and discussed the process of presenting a bill and the processes around working together for the people. We also visited Old Parliament House and looked at what democracy is at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD) and then to the National Electoral Education Centre where students discussed how and why we vote, participating in a scenario on how our system of voting (preferential voting) works. This was a fun and interactive session that was engaging for all. We visited the High Court, which is an imposing building with rich history and ties to everything that Australia represents. Students learnt about the Constitution, its formation and implementation and how it has shaped Australia. We then got to visit Court Room 1 and 2, discussing some of the cases that have been presented to each and the significance of the High Court and the Constitution. During our visit to the AWM, students were guided around the near complete refurbished museum. They interacted with various displays and discussed the exhibits and their importance in understanding and educating about commemoration and remembrance. The highlight for some was visiting the wall of remembrance. Many were awed by the vast size of so many names who have fought and lost their lives for our country. Some students were able to lay a poppy on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was very moving.
Our evening activities included an activity night, featuring the old favourite: ‘first line, last line’. This is so much fun and had us all in stitches. We have some budding actors and the teachers were impressed by the creativity and humour students displayed. The final night saw us go to the movies with popcorn and a drink to watch 'The Wild Robot'. A very funny and touching movie that had many of the attending staff tearing up at the end. Such a lovely movie! Another feature of the recreational activities was Questacon Interactive Science Centre. This was by far another highlight, so much fun and all students enjoyed the interactive stations throughout. Students were also excited to go to the Australian Institute of Sport, including ‘Sportex’ the interactive arena.
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. We acknowledge the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate contribution of $90 per student from the Australian Government which is included in our costing and paid directly to the school upon the completion of the trip.
Our students were great ambassadors for Mitcham Primary School, demonstrating an impressive knowledge about our government systems through their Civics and Citizenship learning. Throughout our trip we had staff of various sites and members of the public congratulate the students on their exceptional behaviour; some saying they are the best they have ever encountered. We also acknowledge the staff who attended this year’s trip and thank them for their time and commitment to enable this opportunity for our students.
Plans are already in place for next year’s trip. There will be information coming out shortly to current Year 5 families regarding the trip which is due to take place Term 3 next year.