Sir Bani Yas Island

In February, Grade 5 travelled to the desert island of Sir Bani Yas for their residential trip. Sir Bani Yas is the largest island off the coast of Abu Dhabi and was once the former private island of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. Thanks to decades of conservation and environmental work, the island is now home to many free-roaming animals as well as a host of different types of plants and trees.

During the trip, students enjoyed acquiring water and land survival skills; they used seaweed to create ‘SOS’ messages on the beach and worked collaboratively to construct shelters to protect themselves from the elements during a storm. They had fun raft building; using containers and rope to build a structure which could float and carry themselves to safety. They braved freezing water conditions to go snorkeling; spotting hamour, bream, grouper and even some little turtles along the way.

Students were incredibly fortunate and humbled to contribute to the island’s sustainability programme. They helped to plant mangrove trees in water, whilst learning about their impact on the local environment. They were enthralled as they visited and explored archaeological sites with renowned archaeologist Dr. Mark Beech, who explained to them what life may have been like on the island in the past. They were also amazed by the incredible wildlife such as antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes and gazelle whilst enjoying a desert safari trip around the island.

Exhausted by the endless activities, students enjoyed sharing their reflections by the campfire before camping on the beach under an incredible starry night sky. A wonderful time was had by all, even on the long bus journey back to school!