Tatenda Returns from the NSCC

College Prefect Tatenda Mataranyika (Year 12) recently returned to Adelaide after attended the prestigious annual National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) in Canberra.

Tatenda was one of only 12 South Australian students to be invited to attend the convention after she participated in the South Australian Constitutional Convention last year. The NSCC is the peak event of its type that explores the Australian Constitution for senior school students. Tatenda joined 120 Year 11 and Year 12 students from around Australia at the three-day convention to discuss and debate constitutional issues and to increase their understanding of the Australian Constitution and system of government.

Tatenda reports that the whole experience was amazing.

“On the first day we went on a tour to the National Archive, that was truly an educational experience. We got to see some of the first ever written copies of the constitution and also the first-ever referendum that was voted yes. After this we toured the new parliament house and watched question time and budget night. This was exciting and very educational seeing how the courts work. One of my favorite moments was watching the speaker in action, especially keeping the chamber calm. We also got the chance to meet members of both the houses of parliament, and I also got the chance to meet Senator the Hon Penny Wong and take a photo with her!

The following day, we listened to keynote speakers talk to us about the questions we were going to vote for. This also gave us the chance to interact with the other delegates. It was so cool, especially when talking about law and politics, there are very few people interested in this at school so being in a building where we - all the students had the same interests as you, that that was really great. After our sessions, we went to meet the Governor General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at her place of residence and also got to take pictures with her. Her house was beautiful and very antique, she was very nice, and her speech was inspiring, I really enjoyed our visit there. We then went to dinner at the National Press Club and also got to speak with past delegates of the NSCC. 

During our last day we had another session with a keynote speaker and also had a tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MOAD) which was a very beautiful place, that has been preserved, so walking through the offices was like walking through a time machine and seeing the past.

Overall, I loved my experience, wished it was a little longer honestly and would highly recommend to any students especially ones interested in law and politics to go.”