Year 6 Canberra Camp Experience

Canberra 2023

Last week students in Year 6 undertook an education tour of the national capital. While in Canberra, students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs, tours and experiences with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

Prior to embarking on our camp, the students were immersed in a variety of lessons through a unit of work, to develop their knowledge and understanding around:

• what is a democracy and what it looks like in Australia
• understanding representative democracy and the electoral process
• exploring the concept of citizenship; and
• recognising the role and procedures of parliaments in creating law/passing bills.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education.  To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $67.50 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.

Here is what one of our students had to say about the time away:

Last week the Year 6s went on camp to Canberra.  After a gruelling 9-hour drive, they settled into camp, their minds racing with excitement.  Little did they know of the early mornings they had to fight through, the hours shooshing their cabinmates to go to sleep, and rushing to clean for their cabin inspections at 6 o’clock in the morning.  But with the most amusing bus driver ever, the Year 6s cruised through the activities.  From meeting ‘His Excellency’ the Governor-General, making a whirlpool in the aquatics centre and exploring the many floors of science and robotics in Questacon, it was sad to leave the amazing capital called Canberra that they’d grown to know and love.  It was clear that the Year 6s would cherish these memories forever.  By Rylan.

A thank you to all the staff who attended the Yr 6 Camp and supported the organisation of it in the lead up to this exciting opportunity.  A big thank you to our wonderful bus driver Brad and the team at Coach Tours of Australia for organising our itinerary and insight into the attractions around Canberra.  Congratulations to all students on representing our school so brilliantly!