Year 6 Excursion to Canberra

Last week, Year 6 travelled to Canberra for a three-day, two-night excursion that connected classroom learning with real-world experience. Designed to enhance their History studies, the program immersed the girls in the story of Australian Federation, democracy and citizenship through an interactive and engaging program.

On Wednesday morning, our learning began at the National Capital Exhibition, located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Here, the girls explored the story of Canberra’s selection as Australia’s capital city and its significance as a powerful symbol of Federation. When Canberra was chosen in 1908, an international design competition was held to plan the new city. The girls were fascinated to learn that Marion Mahony Griffin played a pivotal role in the winning design. Although only her husband, Walter Burley Griffin, was formally credited at the time, Marion’s creative contribution has been increasingly recognised in more recent decades.

Our focus then shifted to Australia’s democratic history at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Through the People Power and Making Change program, the girls examined key moments in Australia’s political story and reflected on the leadership of past Prime Ministers. A particular highlight was sitting in the historic House of Representatives chamber, where the girls gained a deeper understanding of parliamentary roles and procedures.

From there, we visited the National Electoral Education Centre, where the girls participated in a simulated federal election. With candidates named Orange, Apple, Peach and Banana, the experience brought the electoral process to life. The girls took on roles including issuing ballot papers, guarding the ballot box, counting preferences and scrutinising results. The interactive nature of the session helped them understand the responsibility and complexity of Australia’s voting system.

Later that afternoon, we travelled to Mount Ainslie Lookout, where the panoramic view of the bush capital made the city’s geometric design immediately apparent. From this vantage point, the girls identified the National Triangle, with Parliament House, Defence Headquarters and City Hill forming its key points.

Thursday morning took us to Government House, the official residence of the Governor-General. This visit furthered our exploration of Australia’s democratic framework, as the girls learnt about the swearing-in of Prime Ministers, the signing of legislation and the recognition of outstanding Australian citizens. Set across expansive and beautifully maintained grounds, Government House is rich in tradition and history. Unfortunately, the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, was in Darwin on official business during our visit. However, members of her staff were on hand to generously answer the girls’ many thoughtful questions.

Following this, we visited the National Gallery of Australia, where the girls participated in guided tours in small groups. They analysed significant works and made connections to their Visual Arts learning, particularly enjoying the opportunity to view Blue Poles: Number 11, 1952 by Jackson Pollock.

Our visit to the Australian War Memorial was both reflective and meaningful. Through the We Will Remember Them program, the girls considered the importance of remembrance and the reasons we continue to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women. Listening to personal stories and learning about symbols such as the poppy deepened their understanding of commemoration and national memory.

At Parliament House, the girls toured both the House of Representatives and the Senate, strengthening their understanding of how laws are debated and passed, how governments are formed and how accountability is maintained. In the Parliamentary Education Office, they stepped into the role of Members of Parliament, debating a bill in a lively and engaging mock session that brought the legislative process to life.

Our final stop was Questacon. Despite feeling a little weary after two full days of learning, the girls enthusiastically embraced the hands-on exhibits exploring robotics, the human body, Earth’s forces and the evolving relationship between humans and machines. A few brave participants, including Ms Lock, Miss Whitfeld and Mr Massey, even tested their courage on the two-storey Free Fall slide!

The Year 6 girls are to be commended for the maturity, curiosity and enthusiasm they demonstrated throughout the excursion. They represented the school with pride and embraced every opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom. We look forward to seeing how these rich experiences continue to shape their thinking in the weeks ahead.

My sincere thanks to Ms Lock, Miss Whitfeld, Ms Kerner and Mr Massey for being part of the adventure and for the outstanding care they showed our Year 6 girls. Their support ensured a safe, purposeful and memorable experience for our Year 6 students.

Cristi Wilsmore
Deputy Head of Primary (Teaching and Learning)