Canberra Excursion

It was with great excitement that our Stage 3 boys participated in their three day excursion to Canberra earlier this term where they explored and discovered our National Capital. They were inquiring into various aspects of the Parliamentary System as a tuning-in activity for their unit of inquiry on How We Organise Ourselves. To give some practical understanding of this system, the excursion also involved a visit to Parliament House.

This learning experience served as a great provocation for their first unit of inquiry of the year. When visiting Canberra the boys were able to reflect on how different cultures are represented and appreciated. They also reflected on the importance of being an open-minded learner to gain greater understanding and respect for the many cultures that exist in our country and the world!

Further opportunities to supplement our curriculum were provided with sessions at The Electoral Education Centre, The CSIRO Discovery Tour, Questacon, The War Memorial, The Royal Australian Mint, The Australian Institute of Sport and a leisurely drive by the Embassies and the Lodge.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their National Capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist parents in meeting the cost of this excursion the Australian Government contributed funding of $20 per eligible student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) programme toward the travel expenses incurred. This contribution was paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Pascal Czerwenka, Phil Trethewey, David Musgrove and Sam Watson – Stage 3 Teachers