Following our first exam experience at MWSC, Year 9 students had the chance to attend the Explore program. This three-day event allowed students to explore the city while proving their ability to navigate transportation and directions, along with plenty of opportunities to shop and eat. Students could choose between the MCG tour and ArtVo as their preferred extra activity. Additionally, we visited the Old Melbourne Gaol, went on the Watch House tour, explored ACMI, participated in the Big Issue Workshop, and enjoyed an organised scavenger hunt around the city.
My three favourite activities were the MCG tour, the Big Issue Workshop, and the scavenger hunt.
The most meaningful experience was the Big Issue Workshop. My friends and I loved how they organised their workshops. For one activity, we were divided into different teams and given a puzzle to complete as quickly as possible. We had no idea that each group had different guidelines. My team received a standard task to complete without limitations. We were puzzled (haha) when we finished well ahead of everyone else. Once we all regrouped, we realised that other groups had different puzzles and instructions. One team had only one person who could complete the task, while their teammates had to distract them to prevent them from finishing it. Each group had different guidelines, representing how each person grows up in a unique home environment. It was well presented and informative, and I kept noticing the Big Issue magazine sellers around the city afterwards.
The MCG tour is a classic Melbourne attraction, and we also visited the Australian Sports Museum. It was inspiring to see all the Australian athletes, Olympians, AFL players, and cricketers. We toured the changing room, the hallway where the winning team chants their song, and the reporters’ room on the top floors of the MCG. The Australian Sports Museum was engaging and informative, with all the interactive games and activities enjoyed by everyone.
The scavenger hunt was a fun way for students to explore the city and spark some friendly competition! We got to visit attractions that we rarely see, like Parliament House, Polly Woodside, and Hadestown. It was a great way to step out of our comfort zone with public transport outside of the Federation Square area and learn where the Free Tram Zone ends.
Overall, everyone loved the Explore Program, as it was a fantastic way to learn about the city, Melbourne’s history, and sporting icons.
By Leila P and Shannon L
