Macedonian Excursion

Exploring Language and Culture in the Heart of Melbourne: Our Macedonian Excursion

Recently, our Macedonian language students stepped out of the classroom and into the vibrant streets of Melbourne for a day of learning unlike any other. Our excursion took us through some of the city's most iconic locations—Federation Square, Bourke Street, Southbank Food Court, and the Immigration Museum—with one big goal in mind: to bring language learning to life.

This wasn’t just a sightseeing trip. It was an immersive experience where students used Macedonian in real-world situations. They read and translated public signs, ordered meals in English and then translated the conversations, and made meaningful connections between museum exhibits and their own families' migration stories. It was language learning grounded in purpose, identity, and culture.

Melbourne’s multicultural landscape became our classroom. Students practiced all four key language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—while engaging with their surroundings, their peers, and the broader community. Along the way, they observed, asked questions, reflected, and made connections that reached far beyond any textbook.

And the learning doesn’t stop there. Back at school, students are now diving into a comparative study between Melbourne, Skopje, and Bitola. They’re exploring how cities differ in urban life, education, and the use of public spaces across cultures.

What made this experience even more powerful was the role of student agency. From helping plan the excursion to choosing their learning focus, students took charge of their own journey. They weren’t just participants—they were decision-makers, explorers, and storytellers. This sense of ownership gave their learning real depth and meaning.

We’re incredibly proud of how our students embraced the challenge, stepped out of their comfort zones, and engaged with the world around them in such meaningful ways. This excursion reminded us of all that language is more than just words—it’s connection, identity, and community.

A huge thank you to Ms Zdraveska for coming along and helping out throughout the day!

Ms Petrovska 

Language/ English/ Humanities Teacher