From the Classroom to Japan
For Sacred Heart College teacher Tanya Atherton, becoming a teacher was never really a question - it was a calling she recognised at just seven years old.
Now, after 45 years in education, Tanya still brings the same passion, energy and belief in young people into the classroom every day. As a teacher of GATE students, she says the role continues to inspire her. “I teach the GATE students and they never cease to amaze me,” Tanya explains. “I love their humour, I know I’m making a difference to their lives, and I believe in the youth of today.” Of course, teaching isn’t without its challenges. For Tanya, the biggest hurdle is simple: time. “Having enough time to do all I want to do is always a challenge, I don’t know how to deal with it!”
Searching for a New STEM Adventure
For many years, Sacred Heart College regularly ran student trips to NASA in the United States. But after COVID interrupted the school’s bi-annual travel plans, the cost of the NASA experience nearly doubled. That’s when Tanya began searching for alternative STEM-focused opportunities for her students. “I was sitting in Bali on holiday, and I googled STEM trips. I read all about what was on offer and really liked the look and sound of the Japan tour.” The search led her to Educating Adventures and ultimately to a STEM-focused school tour through Japan. “The tour looked excellent, the price was fabulous for the service, and honestly, I could never have planned this on my own.”
15 Months of Planning - and a Trip Worth Every Minute
From the initial planning stages to boarding the plane, the process took around 15 months. But according to Tanya, the experience made every bit of preparation worthwhile.
When asked about the highlights of the tour, she admits it’s hard to narrow them down.
“We loved it all,” she says. “But TeamLab, Disneyland, and the lovely people we dealt with were definite standouts. Our guide was FANTASTIC!”
The students clearly agreed. After the trip, surveys showed that many students listed TeamLab and Disneyland among their favourite experiences — though Tanya says the overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive across the board.
The Reward of Seeing Students Experience the World
Despite her extensive travel experience - including trips with students to America, Japan, Bangkok, Yale University, New York, China, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and every state in Australia — Tanya says this Japan experience stood apart. “In my case, I’ve taken students overseas many times, so I’m experienced at travelling with students,” she explains. “But Japan, with the guide who was with us 24/7, was the easiest trip I have ever had to organise and run.”
Of course, travelling internationally with students always comes with responsibility. Tanya says navigating busy public transport systems while keeping track of students required constant attention — but the behaviour and attitude of both the students and guide made the experience incredibly smooth.
For Tanya, the most rewarding part of the journey was knowing the students had experienced something truly unforgettable.
“Knowing they all had a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says.
Why International Travel Matters
Tanya strongly believes international school trips play a critical role in education, particularly when it comes to cultural awareness and broadening perspectives.
“The cultural awareness is extremely important.”
And for teachers considering organising a trip abroad?
