CAR washes and bake sales from next month will help Year Eleven students at Cleveland District State High School go on the ultimate science excursion – a trip to Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre.
Up to 24 Year Eleven pupils who are part of the school’s International Baccalaureate diploma are organised to jet-off to the United States in late November for the experience, with dollars needed to help fund travel expenses.
Deputy principal Karen Abraham said plans were already in place for the Sunday fundraisers, which are organised for August 6, September 10, October 8 and November 5 at the Russell Street staff car park from 9am.
She said patrons could get their vehicles squeaky clean for a small price – $10 for cars and $15 for four wheel drives.
Free tea and coffee from a nearby pop-up cafe would also be served to motorists as they waited, with tempting American-style treats available for purchase.
While the fundraisers could be sweat-raising work for students involved, Ms Abraham said hard work was part and parcel of the school’s IB diploma program, which was rolled out last year with Year 10 preparatory coursework.
“The IB (diploma) program is unapologetically rigorous and is regarded as preparing students extremely well for their first year in university,” she said.
Cleveland District State High School is the only school in the Redlands which offers the diploma level course.
“Our staff lead the way in preparing students for external exams,” Ms Abraham said.
“The IB diploma program not only provides students with an enhanced academic focus, but also provides a curriculum with an international perspective.”
Ms Abraham said students in this year’s Year 11 IB diploma program would be treated to lunch with a NASA astronaut and tour the base’s Launch Control Centre and Firing Room 4, which has monitored the last 21 shuttle missions.
She said visits to American universities, famous monuments and museums in New York City and Washington DC had also been organised.
An IB diploma program information night will he hosted at Cleveland District State High School on Monday, July 24.
Ms Abraham said interested parents with children in Years 10 and 11 next year should phone the school to secure a spot.
Ring Cleveland District State High School on 3824 9222. Visit clevdistshs.eq.edu.au.
