Last term, our Year 6 girls embarked on one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of their Junior School journey, a five-day educational tour to Canberra, Australia’s national capital. From the hallowed halls of Parliament House to the awe-inspiring Australian War Memorial, from the cutting-edge science of Questacon to the solemn grandeur of the High Court, our girls returned to Adelaide not simply as students who had visited famous buildings, but as young citizens who had encountered the living institutions that shape Australian life.
At Wilderness, we believe deeply in educating girls who are not only academically capable, but civically engaged; young women who understand how our democracy works, why it matters, and how they themselves have a voice within it. This Canberra tour is a cornerstone of that vision, and the experiences our Year 6 cohort brought home have already begun to enrich their participation in our own Student Parliament here at school.
Walking the Corridors of Power
There are moments in education that no textbook can replicate, and stepping inside Parliament House was one of them. Our girls had already studied Australia’s system of government, its constitutional history, and the role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. However, nothing prepared them for the experience of standing in the marble foyers where history is made every sitting week.
“Going to Parliament House was an unforgettable experience, from entering the marble foyers to looking into the House of Representatives. Having learnt about democracy and past leaders of Australia, the portraits of each Prime Minister particularly sparked our interest and showed us how each had chosen to be remembered.
Our last stop was Government House, which was an amazing way to finish such an intriguing trip. As the guide took us through the rooms and spoke about the Governor-General’s duties and ceremonial role, we were all stunned by the beauty of the property. We were sad to leave but took away a new understanding of how Australia is governed.” Niamh, Year 6
Justice in Action
One of the most extraordinary aspects of an educational tour is when the real world delivers something no itinerary could have planned. Our Year 6 cohort was exceptionally fortunate to visit the High Court while a live case was being heard before all seven justices, an experience that brought the Australian legal system vividly to life.
“The High Court was such an amazing experience. Our Year 6 cohort was especially lucky to be in Canberra while a case involving all seven official judges of the High Court was taking place, along with barristers, solicitors, and a court officer.
We saw two courtrooms: the regular courtroom used for taxation cases and a much larger courtroom where the live case was unfolding. It was an educational, engaging, and mind-blowing experience, and definitely a highlight.” Tara, Year 6
Honouring Those Who Served
The Australian War Memorial is not simply a museum; it is a place of national reflection. Our visit was one of the most emotionally significant experiences of the tour, reminding our girls that the democratic freedoms they had been learning about throughout the week came at an extraordinary human cost.
“The Australian War Memorial was an amazing, interesting, and heartwarming place to visit and was definitely a highlight of my time in Canberra. From the wreath-laying ceremony to seeing all the names written on the walls with poppies everywhere, the honourable soldiers left a memorable mark on all of us.” Bou, Year 6
Science, Wonder, and Joyful Learning
Every great educational tour also recognises the value of joy, and Questacon delivered it in abundance. After days of rich and often deeply moving experiences, our girls discovered that curiosity and delight are themselves powerful forms of learning.
“After all our thrilling stops throughout the trip, we ended at Questacon, the science ‘fun and try new things’ place that was the perfect way to finish such busy days. There were six amazing rooms, each filled with a new adventure, including a drop slide that gave a heart-stopping thrill and left you smiling all night.
A giant 3D planet orbited the centre staircase, making the whole place feel exciting and full of energy. From earthquake simulators to eye-catching experiments, Questacon was ten out of ten.” Lola, Year 6
Bringing Canberra Home to Wilderness
The Canberra tour does not begin and end at the airport. Its most important work begins long before departure and continues well after the girls return, as they bring what they have seen and experienced back into their learning at Wilderness and, most powerfully, into their participation in Student Parliament.
Our Student Parliament gives girls a genuine voice in the life of the school. They debate issues, propose motions, and practise respectful, evidence-based discussion. They learn that democracy is not a spectator activity; it requires preparation, listening, and the courage to speak up. Having now stood in the chambers where Australia’s elected representatives undertake this very work, our Year 6 students return with a richer understanding of why these skills matter and a deeper appreciation of what they are practising in our own parliament.
We have already noticed the difference. Conversations in class are more assured. The questions our girls ask about how decisions are made, at school, in government, and in the courts, have become more thoughtful and confident. Seeing democracy in action has encouraged them to become more active participants in the democracy they experience every day.
Supporting Our Girls Through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate
The Australian Government recognises the importance of young Australians visiting the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist with the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributes funding to Wilderness through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program, providing $90 per student towards the excursion costs.
The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the tour, and we are grateful for this support in helping provide such a high-quality learning experience for our girls.
Our Gratitude
A tour of this quality and depth does not happen without support, and we thank the dedicated staff who accompanied our girls and helped make every moment of the experience meaningful.
Most of all, we are proud of our Year 6 girls for their curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, and willingness to be moved by what they saw. They are exactly the kind of engaged and thoughtful young citizens Wilderness seeks to nurture, and this tour reminded us all why that work matters so deeply.
