Isabella Cartwright with prayer sticks at the Itsukushima Shrine visit.
Each year, a lucky group of ACE Secondary College students swap out their textbooks for passports, embarking on an international learning journey they might not otherwise have the chance to experience.
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Last year, a group of students explored Japan, travelling from Tokyo to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka while immersing themselves in the country’s ancient culture and the powerful history of World War II.
Thanks to dedicated funding secured by the school, the travel program is designed to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences — at no cost to families beyond passports and vaccinations.
Among the students were 15-year-old Miles Hoffman and 17-year-old Isabella Cartwright, who both said the experience was something that would stay with them forever.
"Everyone was so polite and respectful — it was just a really welcoming place,” Isabella said.
"I had always wanted to go to Japan because of the anime art style and the history — which is something I wrote about in my application."
Students initially had to apply to attend, originally by writing an essay on why they wanted to go, although this process has now changed.
Now, all Year 11 students at the school will automatically be offered the opportunity to take part.
“I talked about how fascinated I was with Japan’s history, especially around the World War II era,” Miles said.
“That interest was a big part of what I wrote in my application.
“It was wonderful. Japan was amazing … Shibuya Crossing was one of the busiest places I’ve ever seen — it’s just incredible.”
College social worker Joel Hoffman, who also attends the trips, said that with many young people not always getting the opportunity to travel internationally, these experiences are invaluable.
“Travelling overseas is one of the most amazing teaching experiences you can have,” he said.
“They got to experience the history of Japan … but also of particular importance was Hiroshima and what had happened there in relation to the bombing.
“We went to the dome. We went to the museum there in Hiroshima, which was a really eye-opening experience for the kids.
“None of them have forgotten it and will carry that with them for the rest of their lives.”
This year, students are set to embark on an enriching journey to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Their itinerary includes visits to significant historical sites such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Killing Fields, offering students a profound understanding of the region’s complex history.
“We think it’s really important to actually experience it and not only learn about it and meet the people who’ve been through what happened,” Joel said.
“They are very solemn experiences for everyone.”
When the students return to school from these trips and share their experiences, Joel added that they become the teachers.
“They discuss what they’ve learned, and their classmates listen intently, showing just how much they’ve absorbed and understood.
“The guides we go with are great. They’re very knowledgeable. And it’s something our students will never forget.”
– Kelly Lucas-Carmody
Scout Kernaghan at the Red Tori Gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha Kyoto.
Cooper Longley, Elijah Hopson, Inneka-Jean Knight, Jasmyn Campbell, Abby McIntosh, Samual Pratt, Jacob Lorenz, Miles Hoffman, Scout Kernaghan and Isabella Cartwright pictured in Tokyo.
Jasmyn Campbell, Abby McIntosh, Scout Kernaghan, Isabella Cartwright and Miles Hoffman at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo.
