Year 6 Trip to Canberra

In the second last week of Term 3 our Year 6 students and staff winged their way to the mainland as they embarked on an exploration of our nation’s capital, Canberra.  As you can appreciate, the excitement levels across both classes were palpable.  

Two of the main units in Year 6 are ‘The Making of a Nation’ and ‘Calling Australia Home.’  ‘The Making of a Nation’ (Term 3) focused on how the Australasian colonies federated and became one unified country, as well as how democracy works in all levels of government, and how our legal system operates. We considered the arguments put forward by both sides in deciding whether or not to federate.  The Year 6 class explored why people felt so passionate about their cause and why eventually the “YES’ campaign won. Other highlights included a timeline to Federation, how the Westminster system influenced Australian governance, and the process of writing the Australian Constitution.  This integrated unit also investigated the three levels of Australian government and how through the democratic process of elections, all adults have a say in the future of the country. 

‘Calling Australia Home’ (Term 4) will focus on Australia’s multicultural roots through pre and post-war migration and what richness and diversity migrants bring to this country.  It is often a chance to look back at our own ancestral heritage, to tease it out and see how our own families become part of the fabric of this nation. Underpinning both units is an acknowledgment that we are a nation of immigrants who live and work and are governed on unceded land, cared for and managed over tens of thousands of years by the First Nations of this continent.

So the natural thing to do, given the teaching and learning focus throughout Year 6, was to visit the home of our Federal Parliament, Canberra, to ensure we were completely immersed.  Heading to Canberra last term, we used the knowledge gathered in the classroom to explore its sights and sounds, understand what makes it tick, and how our Federal parliamentary system – designed by significant individuals from around this nation, including Tasmania – is regarded as one of the best in the world. There was the visit to Parliament House, as well as the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House, and the High Court of Australia; all places that supported the unit on government. 

Alongside the focus on the Australian government, students in Year 6 sought to understand other aspects of our nation’s history, visiting the Australian War Memorial (as well as dedicated memorials along Anzac Parade such as the Vietnam War Memorial) to learn about not only the devastating impact of war, but also how it led to a rise in migration, shaping the very fabric of this nation. We were blessed to be part of the ‘Last Post Ceremony’ which was a fabulous experience and developed a deeper understanding about those who went to war.  Violet Grieson and Matilda Mulchay were involved in the laying of a wreath for Sergeant Arthur Newnham and you can watch the ceremony HERE.  

The trip was also an opportunity to immerse our Year 6 students in the incredible works of art at the Portrait Gallery, and develop an understanding of how our monetary system works through a guided tour of the Royal Australian Mint. New locations on our itinerary this year include visiting The Big Issue Classroom, the National Film and Sound Archive, and the Canberra Mosque. Each will allow students to gain a little insight into this nation’s history and ever-evolving identity. To top it all off, a visit to the AIS for a tour and a swim, a night walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens, and a visit to Floriade completed what was a wonderful journey. 

It is important to note that a trip like this would not be possible without the support of the Australian Government who, through the Parliamentary and Civics Education Rebate program (PACER), supports and recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. 

To assist our families at Mount Carmel College in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government assisted in contributing funding of $300 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. 

Finally, the trip itself would not have been possible without the support of the College, staff who gave up their time, parents/carers and our brilliant Year 6 cohort.