Ascham has a long history of running School tours. These tours offer our students the unique opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that go beyond the limits of the classroom. They are planned to provide our students with exceptional travel experiences to broaden their understanding and insights into different cultures and worlds.
Ascham is proposing to run several School tours over the next few years as indicated in the drop-down tabs below. Additional details of each proposed tour will be presented by the organising teacher in due course.
It is a school requirement that all Year 10 students must attend the Midawarr immersion to Arnhem Land before applying for a school tour. Year 9 students seeking an exchange position need to consider their commitments as a host before they apply for a tour position.
Each School tour has an exacting selection policy. School fees need to be current, school attendance (including participation in all school events and camps) will be considered as will the suitability of each student to those activities planned on each tour. Other selection criteria may also apply.
Students will embark on a cultural and artistic tour of Japan, visiting cities such as Osaka, Takamatsu, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. The itinerary blends traditional and modern experiences, including Taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, sushi-making, and a kimono textile demonstration. Key historical sites include Osaka Castle, Tōdai-ji Temple, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
A major highlight is the exploration of contemporary art through guided visits to Benesse House, ChiChu Art Museum, Teshima Art Museum, Mori Art Museum, and TeamLab Borderless. In 2028, students will also attend the Setouchi Triennale, a world-renowned art festival that transforms islands like Naoshima, Teshima, and Shōdoshima into open-air galleries. This immersive experience offers unique insight into the relationship between art, place, and community.
The tour provides a rich opportunity to deepen students’ understanding of Japanese culture, history, and contemporary art.
The Australian Combined Schools’ Music Festival is a biennial event that brings together top young musicians from across the country to perform under the direction of renowned national and international conductors. Hosted by different schools, with Ascham as a core member, the four-day festival takes place during the first week of winter holidays.
Participants join one of three high-level ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, or Choir. Selection is based on nomination and musical standard, with minimum guidelines of AMEB Grade 8 for Strings, Grade 7 for Woodwind and Brass, and strong choral experience for singers.
Ascham encourages eligible musicians to nominate for this exceptional opportunity to collaborate and perform at a national level.
This tour will provide a wonderful opportunity for students to visit a First Nations Community in the Red Centre and learn about and deepen their understanding of ancient Indigenous cultures. It offers an opportunity to travel through the diverse landscape of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre, seeing major sites including Uluru, Valley of the Winds and Kings Canyon.
The group will be supervised by a fully accredited guide and Ascham staff members for the entire trip. We will camp for the five nights and travel between Uluru, Lilla community and Alice Springs by bus. There will be an opportunity to take part in ceremonies and other cultural activities.
Fiona girls in Years 5 and 6 are eligible to participate. There will be a maximum number of 20 girls who can participate in the tour with a minimum number of 15.
The Lizard Island Research Station is situated at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, 270 km north of Cairns. Researchers and student groups from any country are welcome to use its facilities to learn more about coral reefs.
From research conducted at Lizard Island, about 100 scientific publications are produced each year. The information is used by reef managers to conserve coral reefs, which are proving to be an increasingly vulnerable resource. The Lizard Island Research Station is the Australian Museum’s only field station.
Ascham School is extremely fortunate to conduct a biannual study tour to visit the Research Station on Lizard Island. We immerse ourselves in the coral reef ecosystem learning about the coral reef ecosystem and experiencing first hand this stunning environment.
The Oxford Royale and London Cultural Tour gives students in either Years 10 or 11 the opportunity to undertake a summer school program one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Additionally, students will explore the many cultural sites and sounds of London prior to attending the summer school at Oxford University. This exciting tour allows students to experience life in a university setting. They select subjects that they are interested in, attend lectures and seminars and work on group and individual projects. They also broaden their perspectives by meeting a range of people from around the world and participate in several cultural experiences as well. Please note students will be required to do some pre-reading and homework for their courses. Further information about Oxford Royale Academy can be found here – https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/
This educational tour for Ascham’s Years 7 and 8 students (maximum of 20 places offered) is designed to align with the World Health Organization’s Sustainable Development Goals, offering a rich exploration of Singapore’s innovative technologies, cultural heritage, and sustainability efforts. Students will visit iconic sites such as the Art Science Museum, Gardens by the Bay, and the Rhapsody Light Show, while also engaging in cultural experiences at the Chinese Cultural Centre and Chinatown. A highlight includes Changi Airport, celebrated for its environmental design, and historical insights into Singapore’s role in the Second World War.
The eight-day itinerary features hands-on learning through robotics and coding workshops, and recreational visits to Universal Studios and Legoland. Students will also explore sustainability initiatives at Koh Fah Technology Farm, the Science Centre, and Marina Barrage. This exclusive 2026 tour promises a dynamic blend of education, culture, and adventure tailored to inspire young learners.
Innovation, Culture, and Technology in Shenzhen.
Students in Years 10 and 11 will embark on a transformative STEAM-focused tour of Shenzhen, China’s innovation capital. Known as China’s Silicon Valley, Shenzhen offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and rich cultural heritage. Students will explore Huaqiangbei, one of the world’s largest electronics markets, gaining insight into the fast-paced world of tech development and entrepreneurship.
The itinerary includes interactive museum visits and hands-on workshops in robotics, AI, and design thinking, allowing students to engage directly with the tools and ideas shaping the future. The program also highlights female-led start-ups and sustainable smart city innovations, offering students the chance to meet visionary founders and learn how creativity and resilience drive progress.
Students will discover how tradition and technology intersect in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. This experience is designed to inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, and innovators.
Come join Ascham as we travel to India’s ‘Little Tibet’, or more commonly know as Ladakh. During this trip you’ll trek into the magnificent Sham Valley, jeep safari into the Nubra Valley along the ancient silk route, and gaze upon one of the world’s most iconic monuments – the Taj Mahal.
Ascham will also be fund raising to support two extraordinary community projects in the region. One is the small NGO of SEWA, supporting schools in the remote Shara Valley, while the other is the ’41 Friends’ Self Help Group in the Nubra Valley.
These small community-based initiatives are doing amazing work and you will be directly assisting in their endeavours during the trip. This trip is open to students currently in Years 8–10.
Step into the heart of classical Europe on the Ascham Music Tour, where talented Choral students from Years 7-12 (2026) can take centre stage in the iconic cities of Vienna and Salzburg. Imagine performing in grand concert halls, joining vibrant festivals, and immersing yourself in the creative energy of choral workshops at Vienna’s prestigious University of Music.
But the journey doesn’t end there—students will wander through the musical streets of Munich, Salzburg, Prague, and Vienna, each city rich with its own artistic treasures. From exploring the legendary Haus der Musik and Vienna’s world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts to standing in awe at Mozart’s birthplace, every stop offers inspiration. And for a touch of cinematic magic, follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family during the unforgettable Sound of Music tour.
Let music, history, and adventure come together in a tour that promises memories—and melodies—to last a lifetime.