Over the recent Term 1 holiday break, twenty enthusiastic History and Geography students from Year 10 – 12 embarked on a life changing education journey to Italy. Students visited some of Italy’s iconic cities and regions, including Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Each destination offered opportunities for students to delve into Italy’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, providing students with an immersive and transformative education experience.
The tour was designed to align closely with the Geography and Humanities curriculum and offered students the opportunity to experience historical sites and themes they have studied in the classroom.
The adventure began in Milan, where students explored the city’s complex fascist history on a guided walking tour and paid their respects at the Shoah Memorial, commemorating Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. In Venice, they visited St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the Venetian Lagoon, learning about its delicate ecosystem through an environmental protection tour.
Florence transported students back to the Renaissance era, where they visited the Uffizi Gallery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Fiore, and the Medici Riccardi Palace. A standout moment was a hands-on cooking class where they created classic Italian dishes like fresh pasta and tiramisu.
April M, Year 12, reflected: “Exploring Florence, especially the Tuscan countryside, was a highlight for me. The architecture was beautiful, and Siena had such a comforting and nice feel to it.”
Tuscany offered a window into medieval life, with tours of Siena and San Gimignano — and plenty of opportunities to sample regional delicacies. Moving on to Rome, students explored legendary landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.
The final leg in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast combined physical challenges and geographical learning. Students hiked Mount Vesuvius, toured an olive and lemon farm and visited Capri to understand tourism’s impact. Exploring Pompeii’s ruins was another highlight, with its rich geological and historical significance.
Emily C (Year 11) emphasised the value of guided tours, stating, “It was really interesting to learn the history from an experienced guide. Pompeii was especially captivating since we had just studied it in class.”
This immersive tour has provided our students with unforgettable experiences and invaluable knowledge, enriching their understanding of Italy’s diverse heritage. Students showcased curiosity, collaboration and resilience, and were outstanding ambassadors for our school.
From cultural immersion to newfound friendships, this educational journey has left an indelible mark on students, preparing them to engage with history and geography with a new depth and perspective.
“I’ve grown so much as a person. I definitely stepped outside my comfort zone. Navigating foreign places taught me a lot and a whole new experience.” – Zara M (Year 11)
Reflecting on the learning, Ethan C (Year 11) said, “Academically, I gained a greater understanding of the subject areas that cannot be understood just from images.”
Well done to all students and thank you to our dedicated teachers for organising an immersive and meaningful educational journey for our students.
This inaugural tour reflects our dedication to holistic education, preparing students to appreciate the connections between cultures and societies while inspiring them to make meaningful contributions within and beyond their own communities.
