Languages Domain Excursions

Year 8 German at the Queen Victoria Market 

As part of their Term 2 unit on shopping transactions and traditional foods in German-speaking countries, Year 8 German students recently made their way into the city for an excursion to Queen Victoria Market. The visit brought classroom learning to life through a GooseChase, an interactive scavenger hunt, that challenged students to read, listen, and speak in German in Melbourne. 

Straight from the students, we’ve asked them for their thoughts on the day! 

Some were more adventurous than others, one student even had a breakfast of oysters at the shellfish bar! 

First Impressions 

“The market was quite different from what I expected. I did expect something a bit more modern and compact, or something like a row of stores in buildings that are all connected, but instead it was a bunch of stores that had a setup in one large area, although other areas were somewhat more like what I expected, they were sort of like a mall but a little more old-fashioned.”  

“I was a bit surprised at how similar the meat/dairy hall was to the textbook video we watched in class, but I was surprised by the massive sheds used to house the merchandise which was not what I had expected.”  

“I think the market matched my expectations. As Melbourne is a very multicultural area, I suspected there would be food and items belonging to a variety of cultures, and this was definitely true.” 

Highlights 

“My favourite thing was the entire market itself, I really enjoyed just walking around it, and seeing the many different cultures and glimpses into other people’s lives, that we don’t get to see everyday. I also enjoyed listening to the different kinds of music and taking in the atmosphere, whether it was the loud music blasting from the speakers, or the busker singing in the seating area.” 

“I think it was a nice experience to go on trains and be in public space, but as well learn patience. I genuinely got used to going on trains and buses so I got used to it.” 

Bratwurst to Berliner 

No visit to a market is complete without food, and students had plenty to say about what they tasted! 

“I was looking forward to trying the hot jam donuts because my friends in Year 9 had them so I was really happy when we got free ones. 😊 I didn’t really know what we were going to do at the market before we went, but it was really fun and it surprised me.” 

“The pretzel was delicious. It was warm, soft and perfectly rounded with shards of salt. The best part of the market had to be finishing the goosechase with my friends and then just having fun together.” 

“I really liked the potato swirls that they sold in a truck, they had good flavours and were really filling.” 

“I didn’t try any German food… but I had fries which come from Belgium!”

Advice for future classes? 

“I would tell next year’s groups that they should try some of the German foods, rather than food they might have more often.” 

“For next year’s classes, I would recommend completing the questions at the start of the excursion, so you have more time to explore the market afterwards. And bring money so you can enjoy the many foods and things you can buy. I would also suggest avoiding the meat section because of the smell.” 

A wonderful excursion all round.  There certainly are wurst ways to spend a day in the city! 

Personal reflections on our Year 10 Chinese Excursion 

By Darcy L (10B) 

As the school's International Captain, I am delighted to share my experience of 2026 Year 10 Chinese Language students attending an excursion to Melbourne's Chinatown. 

This was a wonderful learning opportunity that brought history beyond the classroom and into the real world. Throughout the day, we explored Little Bourke Street, where students learned about the challenges faced by early Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush era, as well as the important contributions they made to Australian society. 

We also admired the magnificent traditional Chinese archways and the iconic red lanterns that line the streets. 

We then visited the Chinese Museum, where everyone was fascinated by the famous Millennium Dragon and gained deeper insights into Chinese culture and history. 

During lunchtime, we tasted a wide choice of authentic traditional Chinese cuisine and special street food. 

This excursion not only allowed students to deeply appreciate cultural values such as unity, harmony and resilience, but also highlighted Melbourne's rich diversity and multicultural charm. It is wonderful to see the Year 10 students have such a rewarding and memorable day!