Over the Term break, eight intrepid students undertook a two-week expedition to Sulawesi, Indonesia. The expedition was run in partnership with the scientific research organisation Operation Wallacea (or Opwall), and the aim, among other things, was to collect field data that contributes to biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
After 61 hours of travel by plane, car, ferry, truck and foot, students arrived at Camp Anoa (north of Buton Island) for a week of jungle surveys. Along the way, we met up with students from the other schools that would be joining us on expedition: St Philips College (Alice Springs) and Notre Dame College (Leeds, UK).
The five days that followed were long and busy, filled with lectures, field studies and training in both ecological and survival skills. Field data was collected on birds, bats, herps (i.e. reptiles and amphibians), butterflies, megafauna and habitat- all in the dense and uniquely beautiful tropical rainforest. Conditions were potentially challenging, with frequent rain and constant humidity and mud; however, students embraced the challenges as part of the adventure and approached all aspects of the week with enthusiasm. We worked with research scientists from all over the world, as well as from Indonesian universities, but our guides and cooks were local; their skills and knowledge of the jungle environment had us in awe, and they were only too willing to share with us their love of line dancing and volleyball.
At the conclusion of our time on Buton Island, we made the overnight journey to Hoga Island and swapped the rainforest for sandy beaches and coral reefs. Here we were immersed in reef ecology, and lectures and training alternated with snorkelling or scuba diving. Tiny shops, run by locals from neighbouring Kadelupa Island, were a novelty after the isolation of Camp Anoa and provided us with coveted items such as “Hoga pants”, Beng Beng bars, fresh coconuts and the most delicious donuts. Highlights of our week on the island was a visit to Sampela, a fishing village built on stilts above the clear waters of the reefs, and afternoons spent watching spectacular sunsets from the beach.
Throughout the fortnight, students truly lived the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Environmentalism, Adventure and Leadership, and were able to see first-hand how partnering with Opwall benefits local communities through generating income and building capacity. The students were exceptional in the way they conducted themselves and embraced the experience, with all ten Learner Attributes evident across the expedition. This was an unforgettable experience for the students and for the staff who were lucky enough to share it with them.
Kate Gard
Head of Science
