Year 7 scientists swapped the classroom for the wild outdoors on our recent Science Enrichment Day, diving headfirst into the world of ecosystems and habitats. Whether venturing through Woburn Safari Park or engineering custom habitats back at school, our Year 7 students spent the day exploring how animals adapt, survive, and thrive.

On Safari: Lions, Tigers, and a Cheeky Monkey

The adventure began aboard coaches as expert tour guides joined us to navigate Woburn’s Road Safari. Students had front-row seats to view majestic larger animals, including lions and tigers, learning directly from the guides about animal behaviour and natural habitats.

The highlight of the drive came courtesy of a particularly mischievous monkey. Climbing straight onto the roof of the coach directly in front of ours, the monkey engaged in a comical game of hide-and-seek, repeatedly dodging a keeper who was trying to persuade it to come down. The unexpected rooftop chase provided plenty of laughs for both students and staff.

Hands-On Science and Foot Safari Discoveries

Following the road trip, the Woburn education team hosted an interactive workshop. Students stepped into the shoes of zoologists as they handled real animal artefacts, including animal bones, massive ostrich eggs, shed snake skins, and a fur pelt. This tactile experience brought physical adaptations to life in a way no textbook could.

After the workshop, students wandered round the Foot Safari, watching penguins dive and waddle, observing monkeys in their enclosures, and discovering a variety of other species. The day wrapped up with a visit to the gift shop—always a firm favourite with our students—where many picked up souvenirs to remember the trip.

Designing the Future: The In-School Zoo Enclosure Project

For students remaining at school, the scientific discovery was just as engaging. Participating in a dedicated research project, students chose a wild animal, investigated its natural habitat and lifestyle requirements, and then constructed detailed physical models of custom zoo enclosures designed to keep their chosen animal healthy and active.

Connecting to the Classroom

Both the Woburn Safari Park trip and the in-school design challenge directly link to the Year 7 Science curriculum focus on Ecosystems and Habitats, which students will study in depth this year. Experiencing animal adaptations firsthand and modelling ecological niches gave everyone a practical foundation for their upcoming lessons.

It was a fantastic, fun-filled, and enriching day for all participating Year 7s. A huge thank you to the Science Faculty, Mrs Smith, Miss Hill, Mrs Ellicott, Mrs Kesha and Mrs Jenkins, the Woburn education team, and our wonderful students for making the event such a success!