BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP TO CROATIA
To support our IB studies , the Biology department took 24 Lower Sixth students on a trip to Croatia during the summer , with an organisation called Operation Wallacea . Through this trip , we were not only able to experience the natural beauty of Croatia , but we were also able to aid the collection of data for active research projects and learn more about the habitats we were helping to conserve .
We started at the edge of Krka , a stunning national park located in southern Croatia . We spent a week conducting surveys in the park , searching for ( somewhat elusive ) bats on a night walk and setting up camera traps to capture footage of the mammals that live in the park . We also learned about the wildlife through lectures and workshops , such as one on how to identify mammals by their prints . This enabled us to gain a greater understanding of the complex ecosystems present and the importance of protecting these spaces , something that is taught throughout our Biology curriculum .
A highlight of our first week was a boat trip to some waterfalls . The scenery was gorgeous , we got to swim in the river and , luckily , the weather was on our side .
In our second week , we travelled to Silba , an island off the coast of Croatia . There , we focused on marine habitats , and had the option to snorkel , dive , or learn to dive . We gathered data about the underwater environments , such as measuring sea cucumbers , collecting algae samples , and taking underwater photos of a unique species – the Sevenoaks student . During the series of lectures at this site , we looked at the Adriatic Sea and the way its organisms have adapted to the very salty water , once again linking back to the IB curriculum ( to the delight of our teachers ).
This trip allowed us to improve our knowledge , appreciate picturesque views and contribute to some meaningful research . Thank you to everyone involved for giving us this wonderful opportunity .
Grace Goodwin , Lower Sixth
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