4 minute read
TRAVEL FAR ENOUGH YOU MEET yourself
TRAVEL FAR ENOUGH YOU MEET yourself
Our Year 8 students developed a sense of self, values, and their own metacognition as they adapted to challenges as part of their Central Australia experience this year.
It was, for so many students, their first foray into independent travel, a moment to connect themselves with country and the stories that first started upon it, to forge new friendships, and create new memories. Reflection was key to this experience, and the words of our students provide great insights. Together, they paint a complete window into the trip.
From Melbourne to Alice Springs (1,858km north west)
Setting off very early on a Sunday morning we were transported from a very chilly and wet Melbourne into the heart of Australia, Alice Springs.
Over two days, the students discovered the beauty of the MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), and the appetiser of sight-seeing at Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap (Rungutjirpa) – though our party of 84 may have scared off the rock wallabies!
“My highlight of the Camp was Simpsons Gap. It was astonishing. The magnificent view made me understand why the First Nations custodians wanted to protect this land so much.” Kerry
Ren
Alice Springs to Kings Canyon (328km west)
The vast landscape is something to behold in Central Australia. The big skies, desert plains, and never-ending rocky ranges. These mind-boggling distances are also the reason that the group formed such a strong bond with their tour guide and bus driver – discovering the great history behind each landform, the people of Central Australia and critical First Nations people’s perspectives and insights regarding the land.
“My highlight of the Camp was the Uluru cycle and the bus rides. Everyone had time to bond with each other to become one big family and sing along to the radio. The tour talks that John gave were amazing and I learnt many new things.” Chloe Fei (Chloe) Zhu
Learning about Indigenous Culture at Karkke
Along the journey to Kings Canyon, the students spent time learning about the culture of the Luritja and Pertame people at Karrke. This included bush tucker, medicines, weapons, instruments, and the meaning behind art in the region.
Kings Canyon
Scaling the heights of Kings Canyon proved challenging for some, but a real highlight for many. Completing the four-hour Rim Walk, the treacherous chasm, the sheer size, unfolding beauty and unexpected waterholes captured the eyes, minds, and cameras of our Year 8 students.
“The highlight of my experience was the 6km walk through Kings Canyon. It was so fun, but so challenging at the same time!”
Grace Champion de Crespigny
Kings Canyon to Yulara (324km north east)
After being duped into believing we’d spotted Uluru (alas, it was only Mount Conner – Artilla) but then realising there is more than one large red monolith in Central Australia, we arrived at one of the most iconic vistas in Australia, Uluru.
“The highlight of my experience was cycling around Uluru. This was an amazing experience and was so beautiful. I loved hearing the First Nations stories about the landform of the rock, I really found this fascinating.”
Samantha (Sam) Kudnig
But
there are always challenges. How do you handle that?
A pleasing aspect of the experience was the girls recognising their own metacognitive processes when faced with challenges. Understanding when they fell into common thinking traps gave them an opportunity to put in place strategies to adapt and enjoy the trip.
“I fell into the thinking trap of ‘ignoring the good’ when I was on the hike. I ignored the views and focused on being tired. I was thinking I wouldn’t be able to climb the mountain because I wasn’t athletic. What I ignored was that I had an entire group of staff and friends who could help me.”
Adele Wu
But it is always about the learning?
The opportunity for student growth in the domains of self efficacy, independence, collaboration, and agency were frequently identified within the students’ reflections.
I will leave you with one final quote from a student reflection which sums up all of the great things experiences like this can provide for each student.
“This Camp was a way to experience a different type of learning. Developing into an independent traveller will aid me in the future for both travelling and for organisation at School.
I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed quality time with my friends over the last six days and have been able to make great memories.”
