School excursions are back in full swing in Griffith after COVID restrictions eased in October. Students at Yoogali Public School took a step back in time to experience what life was like 100 years ago at Pioneer Park Museum Wednesday, an opportunity they have missed all year thanks to the pandemic.
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The museum's activities, run almost entirely by volunteers is a popular excursion choice for Griffith schools and this week they have been inundated with requests for school excursions.
"We have had an influx of excursion applications this term now that restrictions have eased so we have the next two weeks full," Bonnie Owen, curator of the museum said.
School excursions offer a valuable opportunity for students to learn in an interactive environment, engage with the community and connect with their classmates in unfamiliar surrounds. However, COVID restrictions have cancelled excursions this year that would have formed a normal part of school curriculum programs.
"Doing excursions like this, you just can't buy," Kirsty Rowston, kindergarten teacher at Yoogali PS said.
"Our students wouldn't usually have the opportunity to come out and experience these sorts of things.
"We are very fortunate that our principal is very proactive in giving our kids as much as possible."
Pioneer Park Museum links school history curriculum to activities which means students not only leave having had a great day, but with some added skills and knowledge too.
Mrs Rowston explained that the opportunity for her students to immerse themselves in history is something that makes a tremendous impact on their learning by encouraging curiosity for the subject and team work among class mates.
Year 6 student Jemma Andrews said she has missed school excursions this year but was happy to be back out meeting new people and visiting new places.
"I've been drawing with chalk on a blackboard," Jemma said talking about her highlight of the day so far.
She is unconvinced of letting go of modern technology at school however, saying she much prefers to use her computer for school work.
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