From Stockinbingal to our nation’s capital

On a whirlwind tour students scoped out the Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, New Parliament House, the Australian Electoral Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and stayed overnight.

New Parliament House allowed the children to experience what it was like to be in the Senate and the House of Representatives and to discuss the reasons behind the colours and design of the building. 

Member for Hume Mr Angus Taylor kindly met the students for morning tea and a discussion session. 

Mr Taylor was very impressed by their knowledge and inquisitive nature, with Zac Armstrong posing the question, “why do we even need a parliament?” Mr Taylor said was one of the best questions he had ever been asked; and yes, he did give a good answer.

All of the children loved the interactive activities at the Australian War Memorial and were blown away by the displays, the Hall of Memory and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The National Museum was a treasure trove of artefacts including Phar Lap’s heart.

Students saw Jack Pollock’s ‘blue poles’ at the National Gallery, and basically described it as a canvas at which the artist had thrown paint. Apparently it was drizzled not thrown. The students were much more impressed with the series of 25 Ned Kelly paintings by Sidney Nolan, some of which they had studied in class.

At the Australian Electoral Commission students viewed a presentation about the history of voting in Australia and took part in the voting process that’s used to elect our government.

The tour of the AIS was a real eye-opener with many athletes warming up or working out in many of the venues. The students were also able to practice their own skills in Sportex, an interactive area where you can test your speed, strength, agility and general sporting prowess in a virtual reality.

It was a brilliant academic excursion and one that the students really enjoyed.

Contributed