On Monday 14^th November Year 8 were very lucky to be able to experience the Amazonian rainforest from the comfort of school as they were visited by Mr Dave Shaw and a number of his “friends”.  Mr Shaw has spent extended periods in the rainforest living with the indigenous tribes and his passion for the subject really brought the day to life.

My favourite bit was when he used the teeth of a piranha to sharpen the poison dart, which he then fired with pinpoint accuracy to burst the balloon target. Sophie

I learnt a lot and had new experiences. I enjoyed the face painting in tribal patterns and tasting the food they eat in the rainforest like tapioca pancakes.  Gabrielle.

The girls took part in a range of activities during the day.  The face painting was more popular than the tarantula and scorpion but no less memorable.  They got a clear understanding of the importance of sustainable living and you could have heard a pin drop as Mr Shaw put his marksmanship skills to the test with his blowpipe.

It was fantastic.  I will remember the untouched rainforest tribes who have never seen a telephone or television before.  Olivia.

I will remember the face paints and getting jealous looks from other girls in school.  Diana

We did many fun things from stroking a tarantula to seeing a stick insect with bright pink wings fly over us making us all jump and laugh.  Noa.

The day was a multi-sensory experience and the girls got to taste authentic fruits and foods such as tapioca pancakes prepared before their eyes.  This direct link to the indigenous tribes ignited a real passion within the girls and subsequent study of the proposed Belo Monte Dam in the Amazon which could displace more than 20,000 indigenous people.  The girls are now engaged in a petition and email campaign to the Brazilian Ambassador and incumbent female Brazilian President to make their opinions known!

The pictures of the rainforest were incredible as they were so bright and colourful. Sophia.

I never thought I would get the chance to touch a tarantula.  I learnt so much about the rainforest ecosystem and now have a greater awareness of the Amazon tribes.  Sophie.