The much anticipated DARE Graduate Diploma Year 6 Canberra Tour was a huge success.

79 students prepared themselves to set off for our nation’s Capital in the early hours of Tuesday the 5 November. The four-day educational tour gave students an opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

In order to take full advantage of the many attractions Canberra had to offer, the tour began early with the students arriving at Adelaide Airport at 4.45 am and the itinerary was certainly jam packed! The tour included visits to the National Museum of Australia, Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, and the Australian Institute of Sport. The students also visited Questacon, Government House, Mt Ainslie Lookout, Deep Space Communication Complex, National Electoral Education Centre, CSIRO Discovery Centre and National Capital Museum.

Students took part in a range of activities, met many inspiring people and enjoyed everything that our Capital has to offer. In between these venues we enjoyed a driving tour of the embassies, a cycle around part of Lake Burley Griffin and plenty of stops at playgrounds and parks to run around and have a bite of lunch, a morning snack or afternoon tea.

Nights were spent at Leumeah Lodge where we were treated to comfortable beds and hearty meals to give us the energy to engage in rich learning experiences throughout the day. Many of the students found Cycle Canberra, Questacon and the Australian Institute of Sport highlights because of the interactive component.

“My highlight was Questacon because I liked all the interactive activities, the earthquake room and the 3D puzzles.” – Makaylah

“My highlight was getting to ride a bike around Lake Burley Griffin.” – Thurston

“My highlight was visiting AIS. We got to see where our top athletes train.” – Ariana

“I really enjoyed Questacon because we got to do lots of activities. I especially liked the 7ft drop and the four-way air-hockey stadium.”  Masen

“I found it interesting that Parliament House was built inside a hill instead of on top of it as a sign to show that the people in Parliament House were there to serve and support…rather than look over and rule.” – Daniel

“My ultimate highlight was going to Questacon because I love science and it was amazing to see it in action.” – Lewis

The tour linked to many parts of the Year 6 curriculum, particularly the Civics and Citizenship portion of the HASS curriculum and the Learning Area: The World Around Me from our DARE – Year 6 Graduate Diploma.

The Australian Government supports such tours to Canberra and is acknowledged below: The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist us in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program towards the costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. SPW would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program.