At Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. Our upcoming international study tour to France, and the proposed 2026 trip to China offer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages, and ways of life. These experiences foster personal growth, global awareness, and lifelong learning.

Cultural immersion is more than sightseeing; it’s about living and learning within another culture. Whether it’s navigating the bustling streets of Shanghai, sharing meals with a homestay family in Xuzhou, or attending language classes in Montpellier, students are invited to step outside their comfort zones and engage deeply with the world around them.

The France Study Tour, taking place during the next School Holidays, will see students travel to Montpellier, where they will attend immersive language classes and live with French host families. This experience allows them to engage with everyday life in France, practise their language skills in authentic settings, and build meaningful connections. Students will also explore nearby towns and cultural sites, enjoy regional cuisine, and participate in guided tours and museum visits that bring French history and culture to life.

The China Study Tour, proposed for next year's Term 3 Holidays, will take students on a journey through six major cities: Shanghai, Xuzhou, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Xi’an, and Beijing. In Beijing, students will visit iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, and take part in cooking classes in traditional Hutongs. In Xuzhou, they will stay with local families, dress in Han Dynasty attire, and participate in cultural workshops that offer insight into Chinese traditions. The tour concludes in Xi’an, where students will explore the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and deepen their understanding of ancient Chinese civilisation.

These experiences align with the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities, supporting students in the following ways:

• Intercultural Understanding: Students develop empathy and respect for cultural diversity by experiencing traditions, customs, and daily life firsthand.
• Personal and Social Capability: Living and travelling abroad fosters independence, resilience, and collaboration, helping students grow in confidence and adaptability.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Students apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, solving problems and making decisions in unfamiliar environments.
• Ethical Understanding: Respecting cultural norms and behaving responsibly while abroad reinforces ethical decision-making and global citizenship.
• Literacy and Language Development: Through language classes and daily interactions, students enhance their communication skills in both English and the target language.

After experiencing a tour, we find that students return with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for diversity, and stories that stay with them for life. These tours are not just travel experiences. They are living classrooms that shape confident, compassionate, and globally minded young people. We look forward to our students sharing with the Senior School at Assembly their experiences as well as hosting a reflection night for their parents.

We are also excited to confirm that the inaugural proposed service trip to Borneo will take place in the 2026 Term 2 School Holidays.

As a school we will continue to offer our students learning experiences that extend outside of the classroom and add impact to shaping their character now and into the future.

Ms Louisa Scerri
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School