Grade 5 & 6 

In Term 3, our Grade 5 students took a journey back in time during their exciting three-day camp to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. The camp was an unforgettable experience that brought the Gold Rush era to life and gave students the chance to explore history beyond the classroom.

Throughout the camp, students were immersed in a wide range of engaging and hands-on activities. A highlight for many was gold panning, where students eagerly searched the creek beds with high hopes of striking it rich. Others enjoyed getting creative during candle making and watching delicious treats come to life during the lolly making demonstrations – with a few tasty samples, of course!

Students also toured an underground gold mine, gaining insight into the dangerous and difficult conditions miners faced during the 1850s. The powerful sound and light show about the Eureka Stockade captivated everyone, telling the story of rebellion and resilience in a dramatic and moving way.

As part of our learning focus, students took part in sessions exploring the lives and contributions of Aboriginal people and Chinese migrants on the goldfields. These workshops provided valuable perspectives on how diverse groups of people experienced life during the gold rush, and the challenges they faced.

Beyond the historical learning, the camp was also a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their independence and confidence. From managing their own belongings to supporting each other through new experiences, students showed resilience, responsibility and teamwork throughout the trip.

The Sovereign Hill camp was a meaningful and memorable experience that deepened students' understanding of Australia's history while building important life skills along the way. A big thank you to all staff who helped make the camp such a success!