Biology students visit South Africa

On the 7th July a group of 5th year, Lower 6th and Upper 6th Biology students headed to South Africa for a two week adventure. 

The first few days were spent at Dinokeng reserve where they were lucky enough to see fifteen bird and six mammal species. Some of these included: elephants, zebras and rhinos. Whilst at the reserve students had to complete game transects, bird counts, and vegetation surveys whilst spotting elephants and other wildlife the reserve had to offer! 

Once the work had been completed they headed to Sodwana where their main focus was marine biology, they also had an opportunity to scuba dive.

After a few days of preparing, the learner divers had their first ocean dive. Over the coming days they practised their underwater mask removal and navigation which was crucial for their qualified dive. The snorkelers swam amongst sharks and the qualified divers saw three species of turtle and humpback whales from the boat! 

At the end of the week, all of the students were qualified divers and had seen a huge range of underwater wildlife such as a huge potato bass, pipefish, juv emperor engelfish and loggerhead turtle! 

To mark the end of the trip the sun came out to shine and there were a few more dives left for them to enjoy before a Zulu dance send off. 

What an adventure it was! With their heads still filled with whales, sharks and dolphins that glisten in the sunlight, we’re sure that students will have created memories to last a lifetime.

A huge thanks to all parents and staff for the running of the trip. We can’t wait to see where the next trip will take them!