(I) Program Objectives
Inspired by Reggio Emilia’s innovative approach to education, our camp program is crafted by experienced educators to stimulate intellectual development of children. Through a variety of interesting and fun activities, the program seeks to encourage freedom in expressing of thoughts in various languages (including English and body language), stimulate curiosity, develop creativity and promote learning. Adapting Orff’s music pedagogy, the program seeks to provide children an opportunity to experience the wonder of music, encourage the development of their potential and foster their well-being. In this program, children also have the chance to discover and appreciate nature and to experience close encounters with animals.
(II) Program Activities
Australian Discovery and Educational Family Camp has a duration of 10-16 days. The first destination is to Melbourne and there is an optional extended tour to Sydney and Gold Coast. This program combines both Reggio Emilia’s innovative approach to education and Orff’s music pedagogy to provide parents and children with a new educational experience.
The children will enjoy tremendous fun and precious bonding moments with their parents at Phillip Island, Melbourne Aquarium, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour. Through visits to National Gallery of Victoria and Sydney Opera House, both parents and children can experience the charm of the vibrant city as well as its local culture and history. Children can have close encounters with different animals in the Collingwood Children’s Farm and the Werribee Open Range Zoo. They will have a memorable and thrilling ride experiences on Melbourne’s famous century-old Puffing Billy steam engine along the beautiful ranges of Dandenong Mountains.
Parents and children will get a valuable chance to visit a local kindergarten and experience their educational program. Interactive games and exchange with local kindergarten children helps nurture an interest in English language learning.
Program Highlights
★ Popular Western educational philosophy – Italian Reggio Emilia’s innovative approach to education and Orff’s Music Pedagogy ★ Lessons by experienced educators ★ New state-of-art learning centre situated in Melbourne Central, ★ Art and Culture – Guided Art lesson, tour to National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Graffiti Alley ★ Immerse with Nature – Werribee Open Range Zoo, Aquarium, Collingwood Children’s Farm, Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade ★ Parent & Child bonding Activities – Melbourne’s famous century-old Puffing Billy steam engine, St Kilda and Lunar Park, fruit picking, Phillip Island, chocolate Factory ★ Experience local attractions – Great Ocean Road (Melbourne Tour), Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge，Darling Harbour (Sydney Tour) ★ Three theme parks – Dream World, Sea World and Movie World where parents and children can personally experience the thrills and fun. ★ Support service and guidance – trained teacher providing guidance throughout the program ★ Comfortable Accommodation – apartments situated in central Melbourne, within the free tram zone, and close proximity of the shopping district and Chinatown
(III) Fees
Adult: 29,000 RMB, Child: 23,000 RMB Additional fee for 6-day trip to Sydney and Gold Coast – Adult: 10, 000 RMB, Child: 8,000 RMB Fees are inclusive of course program and material fees, accommodation, return ticket, local transportation, visa application fees, dining expenses and insurance. The fees do not include personal expenses.
(IV) Registration Period Registration period begins on September 1 2015 and will close on 30 November 2015.
(V) Study Tour Program
Program schedules can be tailored to your specific needs.
- Day 1 Departure – Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. Arrival at Melbourne International Airport and check in Melbourne apartments
- Day 2 Orff music lesson- Under the guidance of Orff-trained music teachers, children will be engaged in the music and movement activities while improving their linguistic ability and performance. The Orff approach encourages creativity and importance of rhythm in children. Melbourne Museum – one of Australia’s biggest galleries, Victorian Children’s Gallery. Melbourne’s Graffiti Alley – experience unique art.
- Day 3 Local kindergarten tour and have an exchange with the local children
- Day 4 Ballet lesson by local teacher, theme ‘Cinderella’, Lunar Park Melbourne – exciting rides in famous amusement park, St. Kilda Beach – one of Melbourne’s most famous beaches
- Day 5 Werribee Open Range Zoo – watch the actions of the zebras, giraffes and other African animals at a close distance. Werribee Park – Experience Victorian era living and explore the interiors of Werribee Mansion. Victoria State Rose Garden – admire more than 5000 roses
- Day 6 Arts lesson – Under the skilful guidance of an art teacher, children’s appreciation and talent in Art could be nurtured. Phillip Island – Visit Chocolate Factory & watch Penguin Parade, a magnificent return of fairy penguins to their burrows along the beach in Phillip Island.
- Day 7 SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium –Experience the wonders of the marine life and discover world’s aquatic special creatures such as dugongs, sharks, turtles, jellyfish, platypus, penguins, sea dragons and thousands of tropical fish. Collingwood Children’s Farm – Pony ride and themed barbecue
- Day 8 Great Ocean Road – long winding stretches along the south-eastern coast of Australia with different scenic views and breathtaking coastline
- Day 9 Puffing Billy – Ride Melbourne’s famous century-old steam train and is one of the well-preserved steam railways in the world. Seasonal fruit picking – children could have fun picking strawberries, cherries or blueberries. Return to China or Departure to Sydney
Note: the above schedule is for reference only. Actual schedule may be slightly adjusted accordingly to fit the school arrangements. Optional Tour – Sydney & Gold Coast
Program schedules can be tailored to your specific needs. Sydney Itinerary
- Day 10 Sydney Opera House – discover the stories and history of this iconic landmark by taking the Sydney Opera House tour. Sydney Harbour Bridge – Also known as the ‘Coathanger’, is a magnificent arc bridge which is a historical landmark of Sydney. Interested healthy participants can climb the bridge under the guidance of the Climb Leader (at own expense). Darling Harbour – Sydney’s large harbourside scenic recreational area, it is a perfect place to relax or visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or Australian National Maritime Museum.
- Day 11 Queen Victoria Building – Sydney’s most popular shopping street is home to more than 180 fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Across the street is vibrant Sydney’s Chinatown and experience its distinctive flavour. Sydney Fish Market – provides seafood lovers the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of a fish market. It is the largest seafood market in Southern Hemisphere where visitors can also enjoy their meals while overlooking the sea.
- Day 12 Taronga Zoo – Overlooking Sydney Harbour Bridge and situated in lush greeneries, it is home to over 4000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Visitors could experience close encounter with koalas and other Australian wildlife. Children can learn more about the animals in various keeper talks, animal feeding and interesting animal shows.
Gold Coast Itinerary
- Day 13 Dream World – one of Australia’s most popular theme park and children’s fun land. Filled with thriller rides, entertainment activities and animal experience, all children will treasure this unforgettable happy experience.
- Day 14 Sea World- Australia’s largest marine animal theme park, offering fun and adventure to all. Children can venture into an adventure in the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, Penguin icy wonderland, Seal Harbour, Dolphin lagoon and Ray Reef exhibit. They can watch the exciting Fish Detectives show and enjoy fun rides.
- Day 15 Warner Bros. Movie World- Enjoy a day of photo shoots with your favourite cartoon characters and superheros, including Bugs Bunny, Batman and many more. Watch live action-packed performances and all-star parade. Immerse yourself among the stars and enjoy the fun of first-class rides.
- Day 16 Home Sweet Home
Note: the above schedule is for reference only. Actual schedule may be slightly adjusted accordingly to fit the school arrangements.
(VI) Registration and General Enquiries Contact person：Leslie Wechat：18801121277 Email：gl.gbca.au@gmail.com Phone: (+61) 0466 268 122 or (+613) 9041 3050