The Victorian school carried out its cultural exchange program with Luigi Galvani High School of Bologna, by hosting Italian students for around two weeks.
It’s a project which has connected the two schools for many years, and each time it comes around, it is embraced with enthusiasm by teachers, students and families alike.
The ongoing relationship between SSC and Luigi Galvani High School is facilitated by the science-based curriculum which characterises both schools.
The Italian students who visited Melbourne had the chance to visit the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC).
The centre provides equipment and instruments which are usually only available at a tertiary level, allowing secondary students to immerse themselves in advanced practical scientific activities, including the simulation of a mission to Mars which involved sampling and surveying with the Command Centre.
During their stay, the young Italians also visited Victorian tourist sites including the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, as well as experiencing school life at SSC and the Australian lifestyle in general.
As explained by SSC Italian teacher and project coordinator Caterina Di Battista, and also by the two principals, Jillian English of SSC and Giovanna Cantile from Luigi Galvani High School, the cultural exchange is an initiative of immeasurable value for the students.
It creates many opportunities for the future, and also encourages personal growth and the development of an open, tolerant and non-judgemental attitude.
