148 very excited students and 14 staff set off for Canberra on Monday 29 January, keenly anticipating the huge array of activities that awaited us with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, national identity, and democracy.

After a short flight, our first stop was Circular Quay where we boarded our boat for a cruise around Sydney Harbour enjoying the wonderful views of all the key sites including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and marvelling at the huge cruise ship in the harbour before setting off on the buses to Canberra.

Over the next three days students were able to get a better understanding of how our democratic system works with visits to the Australian Parliament, Old Parliament House and the Electoral Commission, which involved role plays mirroring the debating and passing of a bill as well as tours of the buildings. Whilst visiting the Governor General’s residence students learnt about the role of the Governor General covering the four ‘Cs’ – constitutional, commonwealth, community and commander in chief. One group was lucky enough to see the Governor General welcome the French Ambassador with a military parade and band. Whilst another group met the Governor General’s wife and even sang a song with her.

At the National Museum of Australia students enjoyed learning stories from First Nations people and explored stories connected to The Great Southern Land. A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Australian War Memorial where we learnt about Australia’s role in conflicts around the world. One group was able to take part in the Last Post ceremony, which this year was also attended by cadets from the Royal Military College. Students Edward Moroney and Zanaib Janaid laid a wreath on behalf of the College acknowledging the service of our Armed Forces over the years.

Visits to the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery saw the students try their hand at replicating key art works and exploring a variety of artistic styles. We saw artwork by Indigenous artist Emily Kam Kngwarray in a special exhibition and the Aboriginal Memorial, an installation of 200 hollow log coffins, as well as Sydney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series and Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles.

For those with an interest in sport the A.I.S. visit was much anticipated, and many enjoyed seeing the world class training facilities on offer and taking part in the activities here. This year we were able to watch a volleyball training session and see Olympic hopefuls for the Australian gymnastic team training.

For those with more of an interest in science the visit to the C.S.I.R.O. provided a fascinating insight into the world of scientific investigation. Everyone enjoyed the evening visit to Questacon with the huge variety of hands-on activities to experience. The giant slide was as popular as ever, as was the AI/robotics room.

On Friday, we made our return to the College, with everyone agreeing it had been a fantastic week, making new friendships and strengthening old ones. The students should be very proud of the way they conducted themselves while away – they were a credit to their families and the College. I would also like to thank all the staff who accompanied us on the trip and made it such a success.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

ALISON WARD | HEAD OF LAWSON HOUSE

This is what some of the students had to say about the trip:

James Tomlinson:

On Monday, we arrived at school at 5 a.m., ready to embark on our 5-day journey to Canberra. As we boarded the buses to leave, we all felt mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness. Once we were at the airport, we went through customs and were allowed to explore on our own. Many of us spent our money on overpriced airport food. After the plane ride, we went on our first activity, a private boat ride around Sydney Harbour while we enjoyed our lunches. Then, we got back on the buses and drove to Canberra Park, the holiday place where we would be sleeping for the next four nights. On day two, we went to the National Museum of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, and the gumnut playground at the Arboretum. After dinner, we went to see the Wonka movie at the cinema, which was the highlight of many of our trips. On day three, we went to Parliament House and Old Parliament House and were given great tours by the staff. That evening, we went to Questacon which is a hands-on science museum that has over four levels of activities and hundreds of rooms. This was another highlight. On day four, we went to the Australian War Memorial and learned a lot about World War 1 and World War 2. Then, we went back to Canberra Park and prepared to go back home to Queensland the following day. Once we got to the airport in Sydney, we all took advantage of our freedoms and went to food places in the large Sydney airport. As we got on the plane to head home, we all looked back on the good times we had in Canberra and Sydney.

Ivy Hamilton

The Canberra Tour was really enjoyable. We were always having fun somewhere and each place that we went to was a different experience. It was great getting to know some of the students in my year level better across the five days. My favourite places that we went to were Questacon and the AIS. The teachers were super nice to us and made sure that we were having the best time possible, I would do it again if I could.

The Canberra Camp 2024 was an unforgettable experience that left Grade 8 with lasting memories and an expanded vision of the nation’s capital city. Our itinerary was filled with simulating and educational activities that broadened our knowledge of Australia’s rich history, important monuments, and the planning of the city. To begin the week, we started off on a lovely tour around Sydney’s Harbour which was followed with a long bus drive to our accommodation. Our trip included a visit to government areas, such as Parliament House, the Governor General’s Office, Old Parliament House, and an information voting session.

Pahvi Sharma

Our grade had the chance to discover plenty of national museums and galleries, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), and the War Memorial and many more. My friends and I decided our favourite activity was the night at Questacon, where we got to explore and solve puzzles regarding space, chemistry, and science in general. The venue also had a free fall slide which many of us took part in and had the time of our life! We had the opportunity to have a relaxing night at the cinemas and watch a new blockbuster movie, “Wonka”. The overall camp was fabulous and was one everyone will remember for the many years to come.

Reetliv Rayar

The Canberra trip was highly enjoyable and full of many engaging experiences. It was a trip where I was able to take part in a wide variety of activities, ranging from visiting the Australian Institute of Sport to admiring the beautiful pieces of art located in the Australian National Gallery. Not only was I able to take part in many educational activities but I also got to see the French Ambassador and Governor General. This trip was a time where we could learn about new things while also having a lot of fun. I really enjoyed this trip because every day we tried something new.