Campion School students enjoy inspiring expedition to Kenya
“The students were a true credit to our schools – we simply cannot put into words how proud we are of them."
Students from Campion School have returned from a successful educational expedition to Kenya alongside their peers from North Oxfordshire Academy – both part of United Learning’s Northamptonshire and North Oxfordshire cluster of schools.
Funded through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, the expedition was planned and delivered as a joint programme, with students from both schools travelling, working and learning together. The expedition enabled students to develop important life skills including teamwork, resilience, communication and leadership, while also gaining a deeper understanding of global issues and cultures.
During the trip, students worked collectively at Muhaka Primary School and Marungu Primary School, completing a range of improvement projects aimed at enhancing the learning environment. These included repainting classrooms, redesigning educational displays, producing bricks for a new toilet block and laying new flooring. The projects were delivered in partnership with local staff, teachers and pupils, ensuring that the work would have a lasting impact.
Environmental learning formed a key part of the programme. Students supported conservation initiatives alongside The Turtle Police, including helping to protect coastal turtle nesting sites through a beach clean-up and taking part in marine conservation sessions. In addition, they took part in a Marungu Hills eco‑trek, which further developed students’ understanding of biodiversity, sustainability, and the responsible use of the natural environment.
Cultural exchange was also central to the experience. Students learnt some Swahili and the Jambo Song, as well as how to make traditional chapattis from the local women. They also spent time engaging with local children through shared sports, games, music, and dance, and visited the Tumaini Women’s Group to learn about women‑led enterprise, traditional crafts, and the role of community organisations in supporting local livelihoods.
The schools say the success of the Kenya expedition has strengthened plans for future joint initiatives that broaden horizons and provide meaningful global learning opportunities.
A Year 9 student at Campion School, Oscar, said: “I really loved seeing how our projects made a real difference to the community, and it was amazing seeing the children’s faces light up when we arrived. By the time I left Kenya, I felt proud knowing I had helped the communities as much as I possibly could, and even more than I expected.”
A Year 9 student at Campion, Maci, added: “It’s shown me I’m a small person in a big world and taught me how to truly be grateful.”
Joseph, a Year 9 student at North Oxfordshire Academy said: “I learnt that you only need very little in life to be truly happy – it’s the people you meet, the experiences you share, and the perspective you gain that matter most. This journey has helped me grow in confidence and character in ways I’ll carry with me for life.”
Daniela Faulconbridge, Assistant Principal at North Oxfordshire Academy who led the trip, commented: “The students were a true credit to our schools – we simply cannot put into words how proud we are of them. Their work ethic, ambition and determination to make a meaningful impact, combined with the respect they showed for Kenya’s culture and way of life, were truly exceptional. They embraced every challenge with positivity, and every student had their own journey of growth, developing confidence and character along the way. They were a joy to be around.”
Kim Bradley-Smith, Principal at Campion School, said: “This was an extraordinary opportunity for our students to step beyond the classroom and experience learning in its deepest, most meaningful form. Through working alongside local communities, collaborating with peers from North Oxfordshire Academy, and engaging with global issues such as sustainability and conservation, our students developed empathy, confidence and a strong sense of social responsibility. We are immensely proud of the maturity, compassion and determination they showed throughout the trip, and grateful that the Turing Scheme enabled such a transformative experience.”