International Experiences

In 2023, Peninsula Grammar launched its inaugural cultural experience with our partner school, Peninsula International School Australia (PISA), Malaysia, marking the beginning of an exciting annual tradition for our Year 8 students.

This unique experience is an approximately 1-week trip where students immerse themselves in a new culture and attend classes abroad. During their time in Kuala Lumpur, students explore major cultural and historical landmarks and learn about cuisine, history and way of life. Students spend four days attending school and classes at PISA Malaysia where they experience the Victorian Curriculum delivered with a global learning perspective.

In return, Malaysian students visit Peninsula Grammar for a reciprocal experience, either before or after our students’ journey. This truly helps to create lasting global friendships.

The New Caledonia Tour is an 8-day cultural and linguistic trip to Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, for students studying French in Year 8 and Year 9. Students have the opportunity to improve their French skills with 12 hours of tailored lessons at CREIPAC. They can learn more about the fascinating Kanak culture while immersing themselves in the French language through a range of entertaining visits. Additionally, students have the chance to speak French in day-to-day situations at the local supermarket and bakery. Accommodation is provided at the Nouvata Hotel in shared rooms, located in the heart of Noumea.

The French Exchange program is offered to students studying French in Year 11. It is an approximately 6-week reciprocal exchange to France, where our students experience the life of a French student. Peninsula Grammar families host their French student for about 6 weeks, generally starting in the last week of the June/July holidays when they are in Year 11. Our French visitors experience the life of a Peninsula Grammar student, attending their classes and participating in other activities.

Our students then depart at the beginning of December and have a 2-day orientation in Paris before traveling to their host families. They attend school for 4-weeks and spend the Christmas holidays with their host families, developing lifelong connections with their French family. Some of our students are hosted at our sister school, Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux, Verneuil, while others have the great opportunity to travel to other parts of France such as Rouen and Lyon, among other places. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in the French language and culture before starting Year 12.

At Peninsula Grammar, we offer an enriching Indonesian Language Study Tour for students studying Indonesian in Years 8 and 9. This 10-day experience provides a unique opportunity for students to deepen their cultural understanding, develop global citizenship, strengthen interpersonal skills, and enhance their language proficiency.

The journey begins in Ubud, Bali, where students immerse themselves in Indonesian culture through language lessons, traditional dance, and hands-on cultural workshops. One of the highlights is an exhilarating downhill bike ride from Kintamani to Ubud, where students pedal through stunning landscapes, passing lush rice terraces, local villages, temples, and traditional Balinese homes. A truly memorable experience includes cooking and sharing a meal with a local community while learning about firefly conservation.

From Bali, students take a short flight to the island of Flores, where they explore the region’s rich biodiversity, vibrant marine life, and warm, welcoming culture. Highlights include a rewarding hike on Padar Island to witness breathtaking panoramic views, a visit to Komodo National Park to observe Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Pink Beach and Sebayur Island, home to colourful coral reefs and diverse marine species.

The tour concludes back in Bali, where students visit The Waste Centre at Potato Head to learn about innovative approaches to waste collection, sorting, and upcycling. They also enjoy a fun-filled day at Waterbom Park, followed by a final opportunity to practise their bargaining skills at the local markets while shopping for souvenirs before returning home.

Space Camp is an exciting opportunity for students in Year 10 and 11 to explore their passion and interest for Space and Science. They will spend two weeks immersing themselves in rich learning experiences, creating lifelong memories and connections. Students participating in Space Camp visit the following places:

• Advanced Space Academy, Huntsville, Alabama

The Advanced Space Academy is fully endorsed by NASA and offers hands-on training aimed at students in Years 9-11.

• Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral, Florida

The group travel to Orlando to visit the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral and view the history of USA space travel. Students experience a very realistic, simulated shuttle launch and walk through a full-scale space shuttle. This tour also includes an up-close tour of the Space Shuttle landing and launch facility, as well as the massive Crawler Transporter and the Shuttle Vehicle Assembly Building at 160m tall.

• Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Students explore iconic attractions like Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. With thrilling rides, character meet-and-greets, and parades, they end the day with the spectacular Happily Ever After Light and Laser show.

• Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Students attend the Imagination Campus and complete the Physics of Disney workshop where they explore the science behind thrilling rides such as the Twilight Zone ‘Tower of Terror’ and the propulsion systems of the ‘Rock n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith’.

• EPCOT Centre, Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Students spend a full day at the EPCOT Centre to see Future World.