Inside CGA's Community: Global Experiences in June 2025

June was a month alive with activity at Crimson Global Academy (CGA), highlighting our dedication to a holistic, connected education. From the Scottish Highlands to vibrant virtual ceremonies, webinars and creative student initiatives, students and families came together to forge friendships, embrace challenges, and celebrate the rich fabric of our international community.

Greenwich’s First Summer Camp in Scotland

A memorable six-day adventure from 28 June to 4 July brought students from the Greenwich and Aoraki campuses together for the first-ever CGA Greenwich Summer Camp in Scotland. Accompanied by members of the Greenwich Academic Team, including Mrs Beth Haresnape, Dean of Hawking House and Pastoral Dean of Greenwich Campus, and Mr Mike Caley, Commerce Teacher and Dean of Malala House, students embarked on a journey that blended cultural exploration with outdoor pursuits.

The trip began in Edinburgh, where a visit to the National Museum of Scotland sparked curiosity before the group headed north to Cairngorms National Park. There, students demonstrated enthusiasm and teamwork through activities such as frisbee golf and raft building. Highlights included hitting bullseyes in archery, tackling a high ropes course, and learning bushcraft skills like weaving with nettle fibres. The camp concluded with a classic Highland Games, featuring a spirited caber toss, before a final cultural tour of the Scottish Parliament and the atmospheric Edinburgh Vaults. It was a week that built resilience, camaraderie, and lasting bonds.

Student-Led Creativity Ignites Aoraki and Greenwich Campuses

Students from Aoraki and Greenwich campuses led events that sparked joy and strengthened the school community. At Aoraki Campus, Media Week commenced on 19 June, offering a chance to unwind and create. The student-led initiative featured House Trivia and a hugely popular Karaoke Night, where even Maths teacher Mr Su joined in. A book character dress-up day showcased remarkable creativity, as students and staff brought their favourite book, movie, and TV characters to life.

“I hope that those who participated were able to enjoy the moment and spend a relaxed and casual time with other students and teachers,” said Head Student Rikuto.

To also mark Pride Month, Aoraki campus students and teachers collaborated on a vibrant rainbow flag collage, a powerful visual celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Meanwhile, at Greenwich Campus, students celebrated the school’s global diversity with a special assembly for International Day on 27 June. The event was initiated by student Muskaan that featured a ‘Guess the Country’ quiz, a global photo wall, and cultural show-and-tell sessions. 

“This activity is a reminder of how diverse and large our Greenwich community is. Even though we live plane rides apart, we can connect through these simple activities, which allow us to share a part of our culture with our fellow students and teachers,” shared student leader Noor.

Muskaan added, “The idea behind International Day was to foster a sense of belonging within our globally spread CGA community. Despite living in different corners of the world, this event reminded us of the strong connections we share and celebrated the cultural richness that makes our community so unique. We look forward to more events like this in the future, and to continuing the supportive and inclusive environment that makes CGA so special.”

Connecting Our Global Community, From Virtual Socials to In-Person Family Events

Building community remains at the heart of the CGA experience. Online, the Global Virtual Social Days on 13 and 27 June offered students worldwide a chance to connect beyond academics through engaging activities and games. Students also explored the CGA Metaverse, enjoying Pictionary and other playful breaks from study.

These connections extended offline. CGA China hosted its first-ever family event in Beijing, welcoming 14 families, alongside a successful gathering of 15 families in Shanghai.

In Australia, families in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide bonded over rock climbing, bowling, and escape room challenges, strengthening local ties. More ANZ events are planned for July in New Zealand and Melbourne.

CGA Students Shine on the World Stage at Harvard Model United Nations

Fifteen CGA students proudly represented Australia and New Zealand at the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) Sydney Conference. Over four days, the delegation engaged in diplomatic debate and policy negotiations on global issues, alongside more than 300 students from around the world.

“It was a true privilege to accompany the CGA delegation to HMUN in Sydney,” said English and History teacher Emily Fitzgerald. “Their enthusiasm for learning the art of diplomatic debate and negotiation was clear throughout, and they should be incredibly proud of all they achieved during this unforgettable experience.”

The LIFE Programme in Action: Fostering Skills Beyond Academics

Learning at CGA extends well beyond academics. It’s about developing new skills, exploring passions, and making a positive impact, central to our holistic education approach. A recent Thriving Session Webinar spotlighted the LIFE Programme at Aoraki Campus, where the four-day academic week creates space for lifelong learning, interaction and exploration.

 As Aoraki Dean Ms Di Austin explained, “Education is not just about academics. It’s about helping young people to know, to do, to be, and to live together.”

Students shared inspiring stories of personal growth, from completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award to launching a creative arts magazine and co-creating SoulSpace, a peer support platform. “I would say my whole initiative really made me step out of my comfort zone,” explained student Andy.

Their collective advice to peers was simple and powerful: “Go for it. Put yourselves out there and just enjoy every minute.”

A Connected Global Community Moving Forward

As we wrap up the month of June, one thing is certain: our global community is more connected than ever. From local family meet-ups across Australia and China to international adventures in Scotland and student-led initiatives that spanned time zones, this month showcased leadership, curiosity, and collaboration. It underscores our commitment to nurturing curious, confident and connected global students. The energy and passion of June set a remarkable tone for the months ahead, and we eagerly anticipate what our students will achieve, create, and explore next.