A group of students from Quinton House School, Meoncross School and Hydesville Tower School spent a life-changing summer in Tanzania on Cognita UK’s first-ever joint schools’ expedition.

Hosted by Cognita’s Active Learning Group (ALG), the 3-week expedition was designed to develop students’ character and global perspective, while equipping them with critical life skills including leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

Elizabeth Bowdige, Prep School Teacher at Hydesville Tower School, accompanied the students to Tanzania, and we’re delighted to share her reflections with you:

“Just over a year ago when we said yes to the expedition, we had no idea what to expect, but we knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be grasped with both hands.

Raising funds was the biggest challenge – our students held cake sales, washed cars and organised sponsored events.  

Before long we were meeting new friends from other Cognita schools and planning our African adventure. A practice expedition highlighted the need for good planning, and we realised that no matter what happened we knew we’d have a great adventure.

Finally, the day came to set off from the UK to Tanzania.

Over three incredible weeks: we crossed the equator, we camped under the stars, we went on safari, learned how to communicate and work effectively as a team, and trekked through the Longido Mountains. Yet, by far the most memorable part of our adventure was the time we spent at Nkoakirika Primary School, helping to build their dining room and meeting the people of Africa.   

When I think back to everything we’ve achieved over the last year, but particularly the last few weeks, I cannot help but feel like a proud mother hen. It certainly has been a once in a lifetime experience, meeting and beating all of our expectations. This adventure has changed our lives forever.”

A Cognita education extends far beyond the classroom in our schools. Our educators work hard to incorporate stretching trips, excursions and other programmes in order to build critical life skills and broaden the educational experience of all our students. This commitment to developing character carries through to our related programmes for children offered by Camp Asia, Ardmore Language Schools and, in the UK, Bushcraft and Super Camps. Find out more here.