Western Australia Science and Duke of Ed Trip a Hit

Bringing together Science and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was again a hit, with students experiencing an outstanding week of learning, challenge and adventure in Western Australia.

Just seven days before departure, Cyclone Narelle impacted Exmouth, making the original program inaccessible, with airports closed and key roads cut in the aftermath of the cyclone. With only a week to go – and across the Easter weekend – the trip was rapidly reimagined. Led by Glen Mole, Duke of Ed Award Leader, with support from the Science Department and Executive team, the team drew on their combined Science and DofE expertise to design a new program that ensured students could still achieve meaningful outcomes and continue their DofE journeys.

This response highlighted the strength of MLC School’s synergy – where collaboration across staff, programs and leadership enables opportunities to be preserved and strengthened, even in challenging circumstances, with more than a few late nights behind the scenes to make it happen.

Throughout the trip, students were able to explore some of Western Australia’s most remarkable environments, including Rottnest Island, Ngilgi Cave, Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, Busselton Jetty and Koombana Bay. These locations provided a rich backdrop for hands-on fieldwork, allowing students to engage directly with key scientific concepts in real-world settings.

Students were outstanding in the way they embraced the experience. From field studies and group travel to shared catering, organisation and daily responsibilities, they demonstrated resilience, teamwork and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. It was particularly pleasing to see students take ownership of their roles, support one another and grow in confidence across the week.

The trip was a genuine success – a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved, and a strong example of the value of learning beyond the classroom.

– Glen Mole
Duke of Ed Award Leader

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