Our Year 9 students who did not attend the Canberra Camp had the opportunity to participate in an alternative experience, exploring several iconic Melbourne sites over the course of three days this week.
Tuesday: Parliament House and State Library Victoria
We began our adventure on Tuesday with a visit to Parliament House, where students sat in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. They even had the chance to participate in a mock parliamentary session, introducing and debating a bill. Afterward, we strolled through the heart of Melbourne towards the State Library of Victoria. Students explored the library's vast collection, including exhibitions like the 'World of the Book', where they viewed rare and unique works that highlight how books preserve stories, knowledge, and ideas. The students enjoyed lunch at Melbourne Central, followed by a scenic walk through the city, passing iconic landmarks such as Flinders Street Station and the Sandridge Bridge.
Wednesday: Scienceworks and the Shrine of Remembrance
On Wednesday, our day started early with a visit to Scienceworks, where we explored the Planetarium, learning about Indigenous Australian star constellations and experiencing a guided "What's in the sky tonight" presentation. Students also visited the Think Ahead exhibition, where they were immersed in futuristic concepts such as cybernetics, 3D city designs, and space exploration. In the afternoon, we visited the Shrine of Remembrance, where students reflected on Australia's involvement in the First World War, exploring artefacts and learning about the personal stories and sacrifices made during that time.
Thursday: NGV and Quarry Hills Hike
Thursday began with a tour of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where students were guided through the rich world of First Nations art, exploring works that conveyed strong connections to Country and cultural traditions. After lunch at Federation Square, we headed to Quarry Hills for a hike led by Mr. Saleh. Students were treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, the Dandenong Ranges, and beyond, making it a perfect end to the week’s activities.
Our students thoroughly enjoyed the alternative camp experience in Melbourne and eagerly shared that they wish school could be like this every day!