Year 11s Take Science Into the Wild
Have you ever wanted to swap a classroom for the great outdoors? Our Year 11 Biology students did just that, and what an adventure it was!
Our students packed their bags, left their textbooks behind, and headed into the Western Australian bush for a hands-on conservation adventure. Over a few unforgettable days, they swapped desks for dirt tracks and got up close with some of the state’s most endangered wildlife.
Their journey took them to Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre and Dryandra Woodland, where they didn’t just learn about conservation, they lived it.
Feathered Friends at Kaarakin
First stop? Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, home to some of WA’s most charismatic (and loud) residents. These stunning birds are facing huge challenges due to habitat loss, and students got to see first-hand how they’re being rehabilitated.
Feeding the cockatoos was a highlight and watching their personalities shine through. Some were cheeky, some were curious, and a few seemed more interested in stealing buttons than eating breakfast.
It wasn’t just the birds that made an impression. Dingoes and emus also made a guest appearance, showing just how diverse and delicate our local ecosystems really are.
Science in Action - Wildlife Tracking at Dryandra
Next, it was time to step into the shoes of real conservation scientists. At Dryandra Woodland, students joined the Western Shield program, helping to monitor local wildlife populations.
Using Sheffield cage traps, they ethically captured and recorded native species, including three possums and a rare woylie, a small marsupial that’s hanging on by a thread in the wild. For many, this was the first time they had ever handled a wild animal, and the experience left a lasting impact.
“It was surprising knowing how the impact of burning areas can help woodlands and forest areas to thrive as they grow back. In Dryandra we saw the difference of this when we did our reports and saw the growth of many plants in different areas.” Ashlee
A Nighttime Safari Under the Stars
As night fell, the adventure wasn’t over. With torches in hand, students set off into the bush at Barna Mia Sanctuary, where they saw bilbies, quendas, Malas, and more woylies up close.
“My favourite part was seeing all the animals at Barna Mia at night and getting up close to them. They were very cute, and it was interesting to learn about them.” Mali
Seeing these endangered creatures thriving in their protected sanctuary was exciting and a little emotional. It was a clear reminder of why conservation efforts matter and how human intervention can help or harm our wildlife.
Beyond the Science
This trip wasn’t just about conservation, students gained many skills and experienced many opportunities for personal growth.
- Stepping out of comfort zones – Camping in the bush, handling live animals, and trekking at night pushed students to be resilient and adaptable.
- Working together – Whether setting traps, collecting data, or cooking dinner, teamwork was key.
- The mental health boost – Time spent outdoors, away from screens and stress, reminded students of how nature can reset the mind. Research shows that being in nature improves mental health, and after a few days in the fresh air, students could definitely feel the difference.
So, What’s Next?
For some students, this was the start of a future career in conservation. For others, it was simply an unforgettable experience. Either way, one thing is certain, our Year 11s left with a deeper understanding of our world and their role in protecting it.
- biology, Conservation, Ecology, EnvironmentalScience, Featured, FieldTrip, OutdoorLearning, StudentExperience, Sustainability, Wildlife, Year 11, Year11Biology
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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