BASET / SSLP Pioneer Award
Applications Now Open for 2024!
Thanks to the generosity of BASET we hope to be able to offer two Year 12 students from SSLP schools the opportunity to attend Canberra Grammar School for four weeks in August 2024. This amazing opportunity allows two students to travel, all expenses paid, to Canberra and to spend the UK summer holiday immersed in Australian school-life with the opportunity to experience life outside the classroom as well. Accommodation will be in the boarding house, with the option of joining available school trips.
Timeline
- The application process is now open! Apply Now!
- The first-stage of the application process will close at 8am Friday 17th November.
- In November selected applicants will be invited to a first-stage interview with SSLP & Dulwich College.
- Following the interview shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a 2nd stage application form for BASET.
- BASET will conduct 2nd stage interviews in December and offer the awards
- Flights will be booked on acceptance of the awards and travel-insurance must be taken out immediately.
- Participants will travel to and from Australia for 4-weeks in August. Dates to be confirmed.
- Participants must submit a report upon their return.
Molly – 2023
My experiences as an exchange student in Australia.
I will never forget the moment I first glimpsed Australia through the plane’s dusty glass window. In that moment, seeing the distinctive landscape for the first time, the warm coloured earth, I truly appreciated how far I’d come. How different this new land was from my own. During my trip I thought a lot about how British convicts and colonialists might have felt landing on this same land, albeit from sea rather than sky, who, unlike me had never even seen an image of the new world they found themselves in. The geographies and histories of Britain and Australian are so distinctive and yet our two nations share a predominant language and culture. I was incredibly lucky to be given the opportunity by British Australian Society Education Trust (BASET) to study in an Australian school and learn more about Australian culture as a part of BASET’s Pioneer School Awards.
This experience began back in 2022 at the beginning of the academic year. As somebody interested in history, politics and global relations I had always wished for the chance to travel and experience other cultures but had not had much chance to, particularly with COVID restrictions. Thanks to my school, Kingsdale Foundation School, I was made aware of the Pioneer School Awards for which BASET were offering two places. An exchange trip to Australia, including flights which would be funded. There were multiple rounds of applications and interviews for these places, which in itself was an invaluable experience. The skills I learnt in applying for the Pioneer School Awards have prepared me for other important application processes like university. Even if I hadn’t been able to go on an exchange, just applying has been rewarding.
Luckily, BASET recognised my passion to travel and experience different ways of life and I was able to visit Canberra, the capital of Australia, over my summer holidays. Being based in Canberra meant that I was able to see lots of Australia’s national museums and art galleries, as well as a highlight of my trip which was visiting Parliament House and getting to walk past the office of the Prime Minister. I also ventured outside the city, where I stayed at the house of a friend I had made at the school, while with her family they introduced me to AFL, which I think I understand now. As well as this, the school organised for me and the other exchange student to visit Sydney, which was amazing to see. We went up the Sydney tower eye and the city seemed to sprawl out forever.
A crucial part of the experience was my time in education, I was able to attend an Australian school as an exchange student. This allowed me to properly integrate into Australian society, meeting students my own age, learning alongside them. It was fascinating to compare the differences between the Australian curriculum and my own British curriculum. I found the history curriculum particularly interesting as they taught a module on Chinese history, a topic I’d never learnt about before as the curriculum I am used to has usually centred on European history. I did find it funny that the Australian students also had to learn Shakespeare as part of their English classes.
Unlike other exchange students, the other exchange student and I were not partnered with an exchange family and instead were based in the school’s boarding facilities. I loved this aspect as it meant that I spent a lot of time conversing with students my age and I was able to have long conversations about what life was like in our respective nations. I discovered things all the way from the mundane, they call their duvets ‘doonas’, to the serious, like the differences between the British and Australian political climates. I was travelling in the run up to the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voices Referendum and it was amazing to be able to hear the real voices and debate, beyond what I saw on the news. Visiting Australia broadened my understanding of both its politics and culture. It was an enriching and incredible experience that I would encourage any young person to apply for.
Applications Now Open for 2024
Daniella – 2023
My life changing journey in Australia
First things first, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible month I’ve had as an exchange student at Canberra Grammar School. And I would also like to thank BASET for their continuous support during this sponsorship. It has truly been an unforgettable experience, and I wanted to share my appreciation and experience as motivation with those who find it.
As someone who has a passion for sociology, Culture and geography, when a teacher of mine urged me to sign up for this opportunity back in 2022 after it had been posted on our Sixthform teams in Kingsdale, I didn’t hesitate at all. At every stage of my application, I learned more and more about not only the opportunity but also the skills that come with applying to opportunities like this or even a university that I am actively applying to my life. The mere thought of gaining this once in a life time award filled my heart with joy, as it gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dreams of learning about international cultures firsthand and feel like I was in my own overt sociological investigation.
Fast forward a few months, when I got the email of congratulations while I was at work, I literally screamed a joyous cry to the point where a co-worker and friend of mine came over to cheer with me as they followed me through the entire process with nothing but support, so they understood the gravity of this opportunity.
My journey to Australia consisted of excitement, tiredness, and mostly overthinking. However, knowing the support I had behind me and the jam packed month ahead of me made it instantly worth it. Even the flight was an experience in itself—flying over 33 hours to a place I thought I’d never see myself. The mere fact that I was travelling alone was so mind blowing; the independence, confidence, and experience I had to show was exceptional, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was also a good way to show my parents and myself that I would be perfectly fine going to university and living independently (just an extra added plus).
Despite the jetlag that sent me into a beautiful 20 hour slumber, my first weekend in Australia was filled to the brim with new experiences. I witnessed my first ever NRL game at the stadium, where I watched the Raiders absolutely demolish the Tigers. Unsurprisingly, I got so into the game to the point where I was jumping up, screaming, and cheering with friends that I had made my first day in CGS. This then led me to buy a Raiders jersey as a representation of one of my greatest memories in Australia.
Academically, my experience was enriching and challenging in the best way possible. The dedicated teachers at CGS have not only expanded my knowledge but also encouraged me to think critically and creatively. The range of subjects and extracurricular activities offered there broadened my horizons and allowed me to explore new interests. I personally chose to study Legal Studies (my personal favourite), Aboriginal Studies, and Advanced English for the entirety of my stay, which I believed was an amazing way to integrate myself with the background of Australian culture and also feel more at home. Another thing that I found absolutely stunning was the openness and well educated debates within my classes, as teachers made the class a comfortable and safe environment for students to express themselves.
Furthermore, living in the boarding house has been a new yet fantastic experience! I’ve had the chance to forge strong bonds with my fellow boarders and friends, sharing stories, experiences, and cultures. A highlight of the boarding house was definitely the verbal cultural exchange. In my area of London (South East), we have very distinct slang and mannerisms that I was more than happy to share with my friends. I even got our head of boarding exclaiming “madting init” as an expression of her excitement as she wished the students a good day at school.
Traversing Australia during my free time has been an adventure of a lifetime. The natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of this country have left me in awe. Whether it was walking to Manuka, trekking up Red Hill, or discovering the local cuisine, every moment has been a treasure. Exploring the museums of Australia (Canberra) touched my heart to such an extent. So much so that I was astounded by how much its history had influenced my psyche. Whether it was the dark history surrounding Aboriginal peoples’ lives or the great respect Australians have for the land, soil, and minerals on which they stand.
I want to extend my thanks to all the teachers, staff, and students who have made this exchange programme such a success. Not only did they pave the way for fun in everything I do, but they also made things flexible and convenient for me, especially since one of the most academically important years of my life was right around the corner. Your patience, guidance, and friendship have made a profound impact on my life, and I will carry these memories with me forever.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude once again for this incredible opportunity from BASET. My month at CGS has been a transformative experience, and I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge and experiences with my friends and family back home.
Thank you for your warm hospitality, and I hope to return to Australia one day to visit the friends I’ve made here. Until then, please accept my sincere thanks for making this exchange programme a cherished chapter in my life.
