Standing just metres from a family of endangered mountain gorillas, working alongside local communities and experiencing conservation in action are memories that will stay with a group of Priestley College students for the rest of their lives.
Twenty-seven students travelled to Uganda on a two-week expedition with TCAT and conservation specialists Flooglebinder, taking part in an unforgettable programme that combined wildlife conservation, community projects and personal development.
Biology teacher Louise Naidu, who accompanied the group, said: “This expedition gives students experiences they simply cannot recreate in a classroom. Watching them grow in confidence, embrace new cultures and see conservation happening first-hand has been incredible.
“It is genuinely life-changing and leaves many of them with a renewed sense of purpose about the difference they want to make in the world.”
The group, made up of first and second year students studying subjects including Biology, Human Biology, Geography and Geology, earned their place through a competitive application process.
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Alongside fundraising and preparation activities, they completed extensive travel planning, visa applications and vaccinations, with some also working towards additional AQA qualifications to boost their university applications.
During the expedition, students supported community initiatives including Ride 4 a Woman, learned about conservation through public health, met local schoolchildren and explored some of Uganda’s most spectacular landscapes.
Highlights included safari experiences, wildlife monitoring and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek through rainforest to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
For Year 12 Biology student Sofia MacGugan, who previously attended Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy, the expedition confirmed her ambition to study Wildlife Conservation and Ecology at university.
“It tested whether this was the right career path for me and gave me experience that will really help with university applications. I’d highly recommend it – just go for it.”
Former Bridgewater High School pupil Josh Taylor, now studying Biology at Priestley, said the trip had cemented his plans to pursue a career in conservation.
“Standing feet from a silverback gorilla and birdwatching on the Nile are experiences I’ll never forget,” he said.
“Speaking to conservationists has made me absolutely certain I want to travel the world, protect wildlife and help people understand the value of nature.”
Alex Bolton, who plans to study Environmental Science, described seeing conservation work in both rainforest and savannah environments as ‘a once in a lifetime opportunity’, while India Shepard-Baker said learning how conservation organisations work with local communities had transformed her understanding of global conservation.
The expedition also had a profound impact beyond environmental science. Nya Hampson, who is preparing to study Primary Teaching, said working with local children had given her valuable experience for her future career, while Lexi Lord discovered a passion for working with children through community projects during the visit.
Perhaps most importantly, every student spoke about the friendships they had formed, the confidence they had gained and the unforgettable experiences they shared.
For those considering following in their footsteps, their advice was unanimous: take the opportunity. As Alex put it: “Go for it. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
With thanks to the Turing Scheme, which made the expedition accessible to more of our students by helping with travel costs.
