From the Outback to Queensland: A Remote NT School’s Journey
We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present, and future traditional custodians and elders of this nation, the lands which we live and work on as well as the continuation of cultural,spiritual and educational practises of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For many students in remote Northern Territory communities, opportunities to travel and experience new environments can be limited. However, one school’s recent excursion to Queensland proved to be a transformative experience, offering students educational, social, and personal growth opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom.
Located in a remote region of the Northern Territory, this college faced challenges common to many rural schools—access to resources, motivating attendance, cultural experiences, and diverse learning opportunities. The schools learning coordinator worked alongside Michael one of our experienced destination specialists to plan an excursion to Queensland. Their itinerary was carefully designed to provide students with exposure to new environments, industries, and historical landmarks.
Social and Personal Growth
During the trip, students visited key educational sites, including the Queensland Museum, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and various Indigenous cultural centres. These experiences allowed them to engage with Australia’s rich history, marine biology, and environmental conservation efforts in a hands-on way that was impossible within the confines of their home classrooms.
Beyond the academic benefits, the excursion provided students with vital social and personal development experiences. Many had never travelled outside their local region, and for some, it was their first time seeing a city skyline, boarding a plane, or visiting the ocean. The trip encouraged independence, teamwork, and confidence as students navigated new settings and interacted with people from diverse backgrounds.
Strengthening Cultural Connections
A key highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students to connect with Indigenous communities in Queensland. By participating in cultural exchanges, storytelling sessions, and traditional arts workshops, students deepened their appreciation for Indigenous heritage and recognised the connections between their own culture and that of their Queensland counterparts.
Long-Term Educational Impact
Upon returning home, teachers noticed a significant boost in student engagement and enthusiasm for learning. Many students expressed interest in careers they had been exposed to during the trip, such as marine biology, tourism, and environmental science. The real-world experiences had ignited a new found curiosity, making subjects like science and history more tangible and relevant.
Exclusive Rebates for Remote NT Schools
For many remote schools, funding and logistics can be a challenge, but with proper planning and support, these excursions are possible. Grants, sponsorships, and school fundraising initiatives can help make the trip accessible for all students. The investment in these experiences pays off by enriching students’ lives and motivating them to pursue further learning and personal growth. We do not create generic itineraries. We believe the value in our service lies in teacher support and designing authentic and bespoke educational itineraries that considers your school’s unique cohort needs, budget, and educational goals.
If you are a Northern Territory based school contact us today because your students could benefit from rebates to visit the National Capital, Canberra, with savings of up to $1,275 per student.
Testimonial
“Our college’s senior students went on a 10-day excursion to southeast Queensland. Students had many incredible experiences in their first trip interstate, with some highlights being their time at Australia zoo, learning to surf and attending wet n wild and movie world. The absolute highlight for our students was the cultural exchange we participated in with the Butchulla people on K’gari. Our students were engaged in the cultural learning they experienced over the three days and often reflect on that experience, recalling language they learned, places they visited and song lines they heard from the Butchulla guides Conway and Aaron. Our posts to the community social media page were incredibly well received and families were so excited for their children to experience southeast Queensland and students often video called other students showing them what we were experiencing and encouraging them to attend school next year, so they have the chance to go next time.
Away We Go Tours had organised everything well for us and the trip was a huge success! We would gladly use them to book interstate excursions in the future”
David – NT – Learning on Country Coordinator- 2024
