Global perspective
One way of helping students to develop a dynamic world view is to build meaningful connections with people in other countries.
Sister schools and student exchanges
Abbotsleigh has developed sister school relationships with eight schools across the globe.
- Canada – Ridley College
- China – Beijing Yu Cai School
- England - Moreton Hall and Queenswood School
- France – École Alsacienne
- Germany – Annette-von-Droste-Hülshoff-Gymnasium
- Japan – Otani High School
- New Zealand – Nga Tawa Diocesan School
- USA – Palmer Trinity
Each year many students, day girls and boarders, apply for the very popular opportunity to go on exchange. Most exchanges are for a term or a semester although, in some cases, the exchange is for a shorter period and may take the form of a group visit. During this time, the girls experience a different culture and academic environment while also honing their foreign language skills.
Additionally, they ultimately learn more about their own county by hosting the student with whom the exchange had been organised. Thus, the whole family benefits from this experience.
We are very pleased to announce a developing a connection with the Neerja Modi School in Jaipur, India.
Overseas trips
Language immersion trips
Language immersion trips where students stay with homestay families, attend school and participate in cultural activities include tours to:
- Germany (every two years, Years 8, 9 and 10 German classes)
- New Caledonia or France (every two years, Years 8, 9 and 10 French classes)
- Japan (every two years, Years 8 and above Japanese classes)
- China (every two years, Years 8, 9 and 10 Chinese classes)
Special interest trips
- NASA in the USA
This exciting trip in 2015 was part of the HASSE Junior Space School Program for Years 7 and 8 and opened up a new world of STEM-related career possibilities to our girls.
- Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef
In April 2015, a group of Year 10 and 11 Biology and Geology students joined researchers from Macquarie and Charles Darwin universities to study coral reef history, structure and ecology.
Service focus
Our global focus often takes us to foreign areas in our Service-Learning work.
- In September 2015, 17 girls experienced a 15-day journey in Cambodia, working on a Community Engagement Project at Tonlé Bati School, trekking in the Virachey National Park and visiting areas of cultural and historical significance.
- In December 2015, a group of senior girls travelled to India to work with St Andrew’s School, Hyderabad, and then to Jaipur to visit Neerja Modi School.
- For ALE (Applied Learning Experience), Year 10 girls travel to Fiji to support the work of Habitat for Humanity.