From the Humanities & Cultural Studies Department
BMGS Tour to Japan
Last school holidays, our students had the incredible opportunity to embark on a school tour to Japan, a journey filled with cultural discovery, historical insights, and new friendships. The tour took us to Hiroshima, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nagoya, providing a well-rounded experience of Japan's rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes.
Our first stop was Hiroshima, where we visited the Hiroshima Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. This visit was a powerful and emotional experience, offering a deep understanding of the impacts of war and the importance of peace. The students were moved by the stories of resilience and hope that the museum presented, and it set a reflective tone for the rest of our journey.
In Kyoto, we explored several beautiful temples, each offering a unique glimpse into Japan's spiritual and cultural heritage. The serene atmosphere and intricate architecture left a lasting impression on everyone. We also indulged in some local shopping and food, giving students a taste of the traditional Japanese cuisine that Kyoto is known for.
Our time in Tokyo was equally exciting. We visited Odaiba, an ultra-modern entertainment district with something for everyone, and the National Science Museum (Miraikan), where students engaged with cutting-edge exhibits on technology and science. The contrast between the ancient temples of Kyoto and the futuristic vibe of Tokyo made for a truly dynamic experience. Other places of interest included Ueno and Shinjuku.
A special highlight of our trip was the visit to Nagoya, where we spent time at our sister school, Yamada High School. The warm welcome from our hosts and the cultural exchange between our students and theirs was unforgettable. We are thrilled to be hosting Yamada High School and other schools from Nagoya this week and look forward to continuing to strengthen this international friendship.
This tour would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our staff. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr O'Keeffe, Mrs Herron and especially Evans Sensei, who accompanied our students on this journey, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that our students had a safe and enriching experience.
The memories made on this trip will last a lifetime, and we are already looking forward to our next adventure abroad!
Tristan Forsyth
Head of Humanities
Sanda City Junior Ambassador Visits Stage 5 Japanese class
On Thursday 1st of August, Ms. Koharu Tanigawa, a junior ambassador from Blue Mountains Sister City, Sanda Japan visited our Stage 5 Japanese class. She is in the Blue Mountains for two weeks to promote the city of Sanda to her Australian friends and meet the goals of the program, which seeks to foster cultural exchanges with the Blue Mountains.
Our Stage 5 Japanese students enjoyed making a new Japanese friend from our sister city, developing their language skills and exploring Sanda city. Students were very keen to ask in Japanese about part-time jobs in Japan which they are currently studying, and discussed a balance of study and part-time job comparing Australia and Japan.
Yukie Evans
Japanese Teacher