Our Year 5/6 and Year 9 students recently undertook a five days educational tour of our national capital in Canberra. Students were given the wonderful opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The following is a list of the many places we were able to visit with our students for various educational programs:
- Australian War Memorial
- Parliament House
- Old Parliament House
- National Electoral Education Centre
- National Museum of Australia
- High Court of Australia
- CSIRO Discovery Centre
- Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre
- Royal Australian Mint
- Australian Institute of Sport
We are grateful to have some of our Year 9 students sharing their camp experiences below:
“Canberra! Canberra was an experience that I would never forget. The bus ride there was incredible. I know that 8 hours sounds too much, but in all honesty, those 8 hours flew by like a breeze as I conversed with my friends. Well, time does go fast when you’re having fun. Once we arrived at our motel, we instantly made ourselves comfortable, feeling giddy in another state. The most memorable thing about camp was the people around me in the 5 days. The friends and memories you tend to make there are the ones that actually stick with you. You can never forget a trip as fantastic when you surround yourself with the people you love.” - Rihlah Hassan | 9G2
“Our 2020 Canberra trip was an amazing experience. Although the drive was long and daunting, it was worth it in the end. We had a great time as we explored the old and new Parliament house, learned about our country and its history, and had fun with our friends. We saw what it was like for people in court and were given the chance to try it ourselves. It was quite satisfying to see the beauty of Canberra and how it differs from Melbourne. I’d say it was a very rewarding experience and we gained a lot of knowledge through it.” - Safa Ghouse | 9G2
“This was just an absolutely spectacular experience for me. We viewed Civics and Citizenship from a whole new perspective. Not only had I received some valuable knowledge, but also some lessons. I had the chance to see the official Parliament house, learn more about its history and how it has developed. My friends and I enjoyed the amazing hands on activities at Questacon, laying under the huge moon while cuddling with some pillows, the free fall that almost everyone attempted, and just about everything. It was a pleasure to share a laugh with the teachers as we learnt more about them – outside of the school environment.” - Zainab Rida | 9G2
“An 8 hour journey, year 9 students, few buses, many teachers, one destination, our story. Alhamdulilah, we had the opportunity to visit Canberra to broaden our knowledge on Civics and Citizenship. Not only did we study, but also got the chance to spend quality time with our friends and make special memories. From one journey, there were many lessons to take. If you have the opportunity to take this experience and visit Canberra, I highly recommend it. It’s more exciting to see the places in real life than as a photograph because a photograph can teach, but experience can explain.” - Hani Farzan | 9G2
A special mention of gratitude to our very own stellar photographer Zainab Rida from Year 9G2 for the fantastic photographs taken by her during camp. JazakAllah khairan.
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 in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30 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.
We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support. This was the second time Al Siraat College was able to embark on an interstate trip with our students.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank Ms Mehreen, Mr Fazeel, Mr Vis, Mr Terrance, Mr Syed Fareed, Mr Bektash, Mr David, Mr Jorge, Mr Shukran, Ms Rahat, Ms Esra, Ms Evla, Ms Sarah N., Ms Laylane, Ms Desiree, Ms Javeria, Ms Haleema and Ms Sara Mykali for their tireless efforts in making this a rich and very valuable experience, alhamdulillah.