From Landsdale to Canberra: Year 11 Students Experience Democracy First-Hand
In August 2026, learning about democracy, citizenship and Australia’s national story moved beyond the classroom for our Year 11 students as they travelled from Landsdale to Canberra during the school’s 10-day interstate trip through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
While in Canberra, students visited Australian Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the High Court of Australia, the National Electoral Education Centre, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and Questacon.
Together, these visits allowed students to experience national institutions spanning democracy, law, history and science. Rather than simply reading about Australia’s system of government, students saw where federal laws are debated, explored how elections operate, considered the role of the High Court and reflected on important parts of Australia’s national story.
Connecting Landsdale with Parliament
The Canberra visit also continued a valued connection between Landsdale Christian School and the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Federal Member for Cowan and a Cabinet minister. In 2025, Dr Aly visited our Year 7 and 8 Civics and Citizenship students, speaking with them about democracy, Parliament, voting and her work as their local federal representative.
In August 2026, that connection came full circle when Dr Aly welcomed our Year 11 students to Australian Parliament House. The students were able to meet their local federal member in the place where she serves the Cowan community, and Dr Aly later shared the visit through her social media.
Connections such as these make Civics and Citizenship education tangible. Parliament is no longer simply something students read about from Western Australia. They can see that the people and institutions involved in Australia’s democracy are directly connected to their own school and community.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Canberra program formed part of a broader 10-day experience through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Students also explored Sydney, visited Avondale University at Cooranbong and experienced skiing at Corin Forest in the Tidbinbilla Range, south-west of Canberra.
The trip gave students opportunities to develop independence, strengthen friendships, consider future study pathways and encounter places and experiences very different from their everyday lives in Perth.
This reflects an important part of secondary education at Landsdale Christian School. Meaningful learning does not only happen within classroom walls. Experiences that expose young people to new places, perspectives and opportunities can build confidence, curiosity and a stronger understanding of their place in the wider community.
Supporting Civics Education
The Canberra component was supported by the Australian Government through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate, known as PACER. The program provided a rebate of $510 for each eligible participating student towards the cost of the excursion.
We are grateful for this support, which helps make the considerable journey to Canberra more accessible for students travelling from Western Australia and enables them to experience Australia’s national institutions first-hand.
Our Year 11 students returned to Landsdale with much more than photographs and memories. They returned with a broader understanding of Australia, its democratic institutions and the role they can play within their own communities.
Brendon Quick
Head of Secondary
Brendon accompanied Landsdale Christian School’s Year 11 students on their 2026 interstate trip through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Connect with Dr Anne Aly at https://annealy.client.trfg.au/.
