The Year 5 students recently embarked on a memorable journey that blended history, nature, and personal growth. Their adventure began with a visit to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, the culmination of their term-long study on the Victorian Gold Rush. This immersive experience allowed students to step back in time and engage with Australia’s rich history. 

At Sovereign Hill, students participated in the ‘Gold Fever’ program, a hands-on experience where they role-played the experiences of miners, gold buyers, and troopers to understand what led to the Eureka Rebellion. This immersive approach provided a deep understanding of colonial life during the gold rush era. During their time on camp, they also experienced ‘Auroa’ an immersive 90-minute theatre experience using 3D technology that explores the creation, discovery, and impact of gold then and now. 

Beyond the historical exploration, the camp provided students with opportunities to experience independence and foster a sense of community. Students had the freedom to explore Sovereign Hill on their own, navigating the site and engaging with its offerings. This autonomy was complemented by free time at the campsite in Bacchus Marsh, where students participated in various activities and supported each other through new experiences.

One student reflected on this experience, saying, “Being on camp as a cohort brought us all closer together – in a good way! We comforted each other when we missed home and supported each other.”