兔子先生

With the theme of Sustainability, we went coasteering; swam in the bay, went for a run and did yoga in the morning; ate seaweed cake; held and ate various insects; went on an exciting boat trip to see the wildlife on Ramsey Island; completed sustainability workshops and presentations of the pupils' ideas; undertook a treasure hunt exploring the smallest city, St David's, culminating in ice-creams all-round; and toasted marshmallows around the camp fire. We weren't in a building for the whole four days and the weather was as varied as the schedule of activities! Everyone had a great time, gaining a range of experiences which we will remember for a long time to come.  

Please enjoy hearing the students' accounts below:

Lishane W. (U3rds)

Our first day began with a visit to The Bug Farm, a unique research and visitor centre which explores how insects can help create a more sustainable future. Upon arrival, we were introduced to the idea of insect-based food as a sustainable alternative to traditional meat. The staff provided us with an informative talk about how farming bugs uses far less water, land, and feed, making it an environmentally friendly choice. This challenged many of our views about what is considered 鈥渘ormal鈥� food.

Next, we toured the insect zoo and got a close-up look at a wide variety of insects. From watching stick insects blend into leaves, to observing the teamwork of leaf-cutter ants, we learned how bugs play important roles in ecosystems. There were also displays about pollinators like bees and how critical they are to our food supply. While some of the insects were a bit creepy, it was fascinating to see how diverse and useful they can be.

To end the visit, we had the chance to try eating some insects! While some of us were a bit unsure at first, most people gave it a go and were surprised by the taste. We tried bugs in different ways, such as in a burger, bolognese, and personally, my favourite - a pakora. It was a fun and memorable way to connect what we had learned with real-world experiences. Overall, Day 1 helped us see insects in a new light and introduced us to the idea that sustainability sometimes means trying something unexpected.

Day Two was all about adrenaline and connecting with nature as we went coasteering along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline. We suited up in wetsuits and safety gear before heading down to the sea with our instructors. Coasteering is a mix of rock climbing, swimming, and jumping, and it gave us the chance to experience the wild beauty of the Welsh coast in a totally new way.

We swam through sea caves, climbed along rocky outcrops, and jumped off ledges into the water below. Some of the jumps were really high, and it took a lot of courage, but it was incredibly rewarding once we made the leap. The instructors ensured that everything was safe and taught us how to look after the environment while enjoying it, reminding us that sustainability also means respecting nature and not leaving a trace. The experience was thrilling and unforgettable. Beyond the fun, it also helped us appreciate the raw power of nature and the importance of protecting these beautiful coastal areas. Many of us came away with a deeper sense of responsibility for the environment and a new appreciation for outdoor adventure as a way to connect with the planet.

On our third day, we focused on marine conservation, starting with a visit to two different beaches to carry out a plastic clean-up. Armed with gloves and bags, we searched the sand and rocks for plastic waste and other rubbish. It was shocking to see how much litter we found, even in such a beautiful and remote place. Every piece we picked up reminded us of how pollution affects wildlife and the environment. While we were cleaning, we learned about microplastics and how they break down but never truly disappear. The guides explained how plastics in the ocean can harm sea creatures and enter the food chain. It felt good to know we were making even a small difference, and it made us think about how we use plastic in our own lives and how we can cut down on it. In the afternoon, we went on a boat tour along the coastline. We saw seabirds, rock formations, and even a few seals relaxing on the rocks. The boat guide talked about how climate change and pollution are affecting marine ecosystems and what鈥檚 being done to protect them. The tour was a peaceful and inspiring way to end the day, reminding us that these beautiful environments are worth protecting.

On the final day, we visited the city of St Davids, the smallest city in the UK. Our challenge for the day was to explore the area while answering sustainability-themed questions, which would eventually help us solve a final word puzzle. In small groups, we navigated the city using maps and clues, visiting historic sites and key locations connected to environmental topics.

As we explored, we learned about how St Davids has embraced sustainable tourism and works to protect its natural surroundings. We spoke to some local shopkeepers who told us about how they reduce waste and use local produce. The activity was fun and educational, and it gave us a chance to reflect on what sustainability looks like in a real community setting.

The word puzzle added an exciting element of competition to the day, and solving it was a satisfying way to finish our trip. Exploring St Davids allowed us to relax, reflect, and appreciate the journey we had been on over the past few days. It was a perfect end to a trip full of learning, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Thank you to all the teachers and all the Flooglebinder staff for making it such a good experience.

Rishi K (U3rds)

On Thursday, 42 Upper Third formers set off on a trip to Wales that would be an experience we will remember.

After a long coach journey, we arrived at the bug farm. We split into two groups and my group went straight to the bug kitchen. We were told about how bugs are great for your health, easily farmable and were killed ethically in a way that they did not feel pain. I'm a vegetarian, so I walked in not expecting to eat any bugs, but by the end of the lecture I was convinced and decided to loosen up and give it a go. They actually tasted a lot better than I expected, and the crickets tasted like chips yet were so much more healthy. We also petted some bugs which I was nervous about at first but learnt they were friendly. We were then assigned our tents and we enjoyed dinner using reusable wooden cutlery.

The highlight of Friday was definitely coasteering. Many of my friends would call it the highlight of the trip, and I have to admit it was an experience I will never forget. We were all terrified as we walked along the cliff edge looking down at the drop that was guaranteed to kill. We carefully scrambled down the rocks in our tight but albeit necessary wetsuits and buoyancy aids and we jumped right into the Atlantic ocean. I only thought one thing at first - cold. But it was definitely worth it; swimming in the water and jumping over waves was amazing. I was most nervous when we went through narrow spaces but it was very fun overall. Also on Friday, we begun a sustainability workshop that would teach us everything to know about how businesses can be respectful to the environment and society as a whole.

Saturday began with an ocean cleanup where we woke up, wrapped up warm and set out for the coast where we would find as many plastics as we could. We then placed them in a recycling bag in hopes that they wouldn't end up polluting the ocean and harming wildlife. Unfortunately, another group went before us and so there was less plastic to clean than we hoped. On the way back we had some of the most amazing ice cream I've ever had. Then, we split into groups and my group headed straight for the boat, which was my personal favourite part of the trip. It was just windy enough that you could feel a strong breeze in your face- enhanced for me as I was sitting right at the front. We enjoyed learning about all of the wildlife that featured, but I have to admit my favourite part was speeding along the ocean quickly and getting the thrill of it all. We then finished off our sustainability workshop and presented our ideas. I didn't win but the whole experience was interesting. 

Sunday was our final day and we explored the town of Saint David's, the smallest city in Great Britain. I had looked forward to this as I love the city. We enjoyed a treasure hunt, followed by more ice cream, and packed up our things.

Throughout the trip we enjoyed free time in a beautiful field that had grass reaching high up and we interacted with other groups. This was definitely something we all loved and we had a great time overall.

Devan G (U3rds)

Our school expedition to Pembrokeshire, Wales, was an unforgettable adventure packed with nature, engaging activities, and discovery.

On Day 1, we started the trip with a close-up tropical bug zoo tour. We got the chance to hold some fascinating (and slightly creepy) insects - some of us even tasted them in creative dishes like soup and insect burgers!

Day 2 began with a relaxing morning yoga session, helping us prepare for an action-filled day. Later, we went coasteering 鈥� climbing the rugged sea cliffs of Pembrokeshire鈥檚 coast and making thrilling jumps into the ocean. It was both terrifying and exciting!

On Day 3, we gave back to nature with a beach clean followed by a creature hunt. We then boarded a boat for a wildlife tour and were lucky enough to spot some seals and some rare coastal bird species.

Finally, on Day 4, we explored Britain鈥檚 smallest city, St Davids. We toured around in small groups, discovering its charming streets, ancient cathedral, and local shops.

The expedition wasn鈥檛 just fun - it was extraordinary. From wild coastlines to quiet cathedrals, every day offered something new. We left Pembrokeshire with a deeper connection with nature and memories that will last a lifetime.