Just as young people across the country prepared to go back to school, five students from Camborne Science and International Academy flew to Australia for a life-changing two week trip.

Hosted by the Australian Science and Mathematics School in Adelaide, the 11th International Science Fair saw ten schools from around the world come together, with CSIA the only school from the UK. “We set off on August 28 for our 30 hour journey to Adelaide,” said Jennifer Tagell in year 13. “The flight was very long and tiring but it was so worth it, it was a truly memorable experience.”

Escorted by science teacher, Max Lister, and PE teacher, Tamsin Hosking, the first week of the visit saw the staff and students take part in home-stays, living with families from the host school to get an experience of real Australian life. “We went on lots of different excursions visiting some amazing places including a safari tour at Monarto Zoo wildlife park, Melba’s chocolate factory, Adelaide Museum and Hallett Cove where a glacier was once situated” said Jennifer. “We had so many incredible moments which we will never forget.”

The second week saw the start of the Science Fair, with over 100 students from participating schools taking part in a variety of challenge based learning activities including creating a rocket-powered car. The groups had to make the cars out of a block of wood, wheels and rocket fuel. Other challenges included designing a space-saving vertical garden and even reducing the worlds population.

“Students even developed a bush tucker menu from indigenous Australian foods, including bush tomatoes, saltbush and kangaroo, to encourage sustainability,” said Tamsin. “Our students jumped straight in, showing enthusiasm, creativity and hard work to succeed in all their challenges.”

Max added: “At the climax of the fair, each school presented their scientific research which was prepared during lessons before the trip. Our students presented a fascinating project on the suitability of a variety of energy drinks for sports performance against cost which produced much interest from the other schools.”