In the morning students had the opportunity to explore the different aquarium zones, with each zone themed to reflect a different part of the Ocean, and the animals that are found within it. Students learnt all about the Marine Life from those right on our doorstep in Plymouth Sound to as far afield as the Great Barrier Reef.

After lunch students had the opportunity to board Silver Crest and sail around the National Marine Park. The tour included spectacular views back towards the city of Plymouth, Jennycliff, the breakwater and even historic Drake’s Island. Along the way students had the opportunity to conduct seabird surveys, use scientific equipment to gather data on the salinity of the ocean, as well as sieving for plankton with a trawl net, and examining them under a microscope.

Finally, the group got to haul up a lobster pot, giving students the chance to get up-close, to the edible crabs and spider crabs living on the sea floor of the National Marine Park!

To top off a fantastic day we spotted 4 Grey Seals out on rocks by the breakwater.

Miss Heseltine, STEAM Coordinator said, "This was a fabulous opportunity for some of our students to use a range of different scientific research techniques and equipment to collect data & record findings. We were so lucky to have such an amazing opportunity and can't thank every one who was involved in organising the trip, enough."