Students from Girton Grammar School attend British High Commission, Canberra

6th April 2023

Year 6 students from Girton Grammar School in Bendigo have been treated to an audience with the British Deputy High Commissioner while on camp in Canberra.

As part of the annual Year 6 camp, students spend five days in the nation’s capital. Usually this includes a tour around the outside of the embassies on their bus, but this year they were invited inside.

Girton Head of Junior School, Mr Don Thompson, said the visit was a real treat for the students.

“During the week the Year 6 students get to experience our nation’s capital while also getting to know each other and their teachers outside of the classroom,” said Don.

“In Year 6 we study Federal Government, and our students learn how our country is governed and how laws are made. The Canberra Camp is a great opportunity for our students to experience in person what they have been learning about all term. What better way to embed that learning than by being able to visit and see where it all happens?”

Don explained that normally, the bus takes students past all of the embassies and they look at the different architectural styles, however this year Girton’s Year 6 cohort was invited inside the gates of the British High Commission for a discussion with the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Nick Crouch.

“It was a very generous offer and an amazing experience for our students,” said Don.

Mr Nick Crouch, British Deputy High Commissioner to Australia said he was delighted to welcome the Girton students to the High Commission.

“It was fascinating to hear about their understanding of the UK, including some expert knowledge around Big Ben and Britain’s got Talent,” Nick said.

“We chatted about the work of the High Commission and the UK-Australia partnership, from climate and trade to James Bond and British football teams!”