The day began with a guided tour titled ‘Save Our Seas’, which highlighted the various threats facing our oceans. Students examined issues such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction, gaining a deeper understanding of the urgent need to protect marine life. A standout moment was the opportunity to feed the stingrays, offering a rare close-up encounter with these fascinating creatures. The group was especially taken with Sheila, a huge fish residing in the Coral Seas exhibit, as well as the baby seahorses being nurtured in the aquarium’s specialist breeding programme.

Following their time at the aquarium, students took to Millennium Square for an afternoon of urban fieldwork, investigating whether it functions as a successful public space. Using a range of fieldwork techniques, they assessed factors such as accessibility, environmental quality, and public engagement, applying their classroom learning to a real-world environment.

The trip provided a fantastic blend of geographical learning and interactive experiences, from walking through the aquarium’s mesmerising underwater tunnel to critically analysing an urban space. It was an inspiring day that deepened students’ understanding of both marine conservation and human geography.