Primary School Tours, Camps and Excursions
Now that our Year 5 and 6 students have returned to normal classes after their respective camp and tour, it’s wonderful to reflect on their experiences and the new learning they were exposed to. Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff that accompanied our students to both Canberra and Sovereign Hill for the exceptional level of care they provided. The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our number one priority, particularly whilst away on camp. Staff are on duty 24 hours a day and do so happily knowing that our students are safe, happy and engaged. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Ms Sarah Shatford and Mr Aaron Butcher who spent copious hours planning and organising every detail to ensure both the tour and camp ran smoothly.
Our Year 6 Canberra Tour provided opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of their Unit of Inquiry with the central idea ‘Australia’s government and democracy, along with its laws, citizens and diversity defines our identity.’ The places visited, which is a long and exhaustive list, all contributed to painting a picture of Australia’s Democratic System and sense of identity since Federation and the birth of a nation. Our students are now far more knowledgeable about Australia’s history and the rules and laws in place for a democracy to function. Whilst the predominant emphasis of the tour was educational, one can not underestimate the need and subsequent enjoyment of attractions where having fun was the number one priority. Students thoroughly enjoyed glow-in-the-dark mini golf and ice-skating which provided a well-deserved break. We thank the students for the magnificent way in which they represented our school and the positive attitude they displayed throughout the tour.
Our Year 5 students spent 3 days at Sovereign Hill learning about the Gold Rush and the mining techniques used in the 1850s. The highlight of the camp was the Costume School where students dressed in appropriate clothing and experienced school as it was back then. The focus was squarely on speaking when you’re spoken to. The experiences at Sovereign Hill supported the students' understanding of the central idea ‘Australian communities – their past, present and possible futures.’ Despite the freezing cold mornings and evenings, students and staff thoroughly enjoyed exploring Sovereign Hill and the shopping opportunities in the lolly shop.
In addition to camps and tours, year-level excursions have also been a highlight of Term 3. Last week our Preps went on a bus Tour of the local community, stopping at a number of attractions and places of interest. It was a wonderful outing with several of our Preps falling asleep in the bus on the way home. Our Year 2 students visited CERES Community Environment Park earlier this week to explore and learn about Water Cycles and through problem-solving and action planning, create change within our school community to explore ways that natural resources can be conserved.
Our Primary camping program and year-level excursions and incursions are an integral component of a Hume education. They help to reinforce learning that has taken part in the classroom, strengthen student wellbeing and provide social opportunities. Many of the necessary elements needed to develop the ‘whole child.’
