A Life-Changing Expedition

42 students from The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) have returned from a 15-day expedition in Romania’s breathtaking Carpathian Mountains - a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combined environmental science, conservation, and hands-on adventure.

Funded by the Government Turing Scheme, the trip was open to Year 12 students from Priestley College, South Wirral High School Sixth Form, and The Sutton Academy Sixth Form. Students passionate about science, ecology, and the environment were selected to take part.

Led by Chris Hillidge, STEM Director at TCAT, and supported by staff from all three colleges, the experience was delivered in partnership with Foundation Conservation Carpathia .

After arriving in Bucharest and travelling through the historic mountain city of Brasov, the group hiked into the mountains to a remote campsite, at 1500m, overlooking Romania’s famous Fagaras range. Over two weeks, they worked with conservation experts to track wildlife, monitor biodiversity using tools like camera traps, drones, and eDNA sampling, and study how once native species including bison and beaver have been reintroduced to their natural habitat. Additionally, they studied how Europe’s largest bear population interacts with human activity. The group were lucky to get unforgettable sightings of both Bear and Bison animals during their time in the field.

With limited signal and few modern comforts, students embraced mountain life-reconnecting with nature, local culture, and each other.

The experience ended with a celebratory BBQ and white-water rafting, a fitting close to an unforgettable journey.

Chris Hillidge said:

“This was a life-changing experience for our students. They didn’t just study conservation-they lived it. They really stepped out of their comfort zones and reconnected with nature, each other, and local life. From tracking wildlife to collecting real data, they’ve returned with new skills, fresh perspective, and a real passion for the planet. We’re incredibly proud of them.”

This unique opportunity not only enriched their learning but inspired a new generation of environmentally conscious, globally minded young people.

Report by: The Challenge Academy Trust