Middle School

Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

Article by Tess Spalliera, Head of Learning Middle School

Our Year 5 students recently headed to Sovereign Hill for an overnight camp, giving them the opportunity to step back in time and experience life on the Victorian goldfields.

The camp was a great way for students to bring their History learning to life. After spending time in the classroom learning about the Victorian Gold Rush, students were able to walk the streets of Sovereign Hill, explore the buildings and see firsthand what life might have been like for people living and working on the goldfields.

There were plenty of highlights across the two days. Students tried their luck panning for gold, explored an underground mine, visited the shops and buildings throughout the township, and learnt more about the different people who travelled to the goldfields in search of fortune.

A definite highlight of the camp was the AURA sound and light show on our night at Sovereign Hill. Students experienced the story of the gold rush through an impressive combination of projections, sound, lights and special effects. It was a memorable way to see the history we had been learning about come to life and was certainly a favourite part of the camp for many students.

Beyond the History learning, camp was also a wonderful opportunity for students to spend time together outside the classroom. They showed independence, resilience and enthusiasm throughout the experience and embraced everything camp had to offer.

A big thank you to the staff who attended and helped make the camp possible, and to our Year 5 students for the positive way they represented the College.

It was a fantastic couple of days and a great way to bring our learning about the Victorian Gold Rush to life!