Operation Wallacea Expedition to Fiji

On 22 June, 13 students between Years 11-13 from the 2018-19 batch embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as they set off for their OPWAL expedition to Fiji. Opwal is an organisation that facilitates students in assisting in academic research in the areas of biodiversity and conservation. On arrival in Fiji, they took an internal flight to Vanua Levu where students travelled to the remote Natewa Bay peninsula. The trip started with an immersion in Fijian culture and home stays; then the students went to the Forest Camp where they assisted scientists in biodiversity surveys, bird monitoring, spiders, and butterflies. It was great to see how well our students engaged with and supported the scientists and enjoyed their Forest Ecology Lectures in the evenings. They also got on well with the other school from Berlin in Germany who was there.

Following this, we transferred to the marine site. Although we arrived in an incredible storm, we survived the night and students went on to qualify for their PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water Qualifications, or engaged in snorkelling surveys. The qualified divers also assisted in various surveys of the pristine reef system. In the evenings, they enjoyed the South Pacific Coral Reefs Lecture Series. This is the third OPWAL Expedition our school has had, with previous locations in Sulawesi in Indonesia and Cuba.

Andy Morris / Elise Daly
CAS and AYP Coordinator / Teacher of Biology and Science

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA