In Geography and Science, we study volcanic activity, ecotourism, biodiversity and ecosystems, all of which are in abundance in Nicaragua.  

In July 2026, we will be running our first volunteering trip to Nicaragua. In the build-up, our Nicaragua 2026 pupils will be developing valuable life skills such as fundraising, teamwork and communication. Once they arrive in the geographically largest country in Central America, the team will be immersed in another culture, spending time in community-based projects and learning more in person about renewable energy and sustainable living. This trip will help both pupils and staff gain a greater understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (7, 8,  9, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17).

All our pupils study Ghana as a case study in Geography in Year 9.  

Between 2017 and 2024, four different groups of pupil and staff volunteers from Deer Park travelled to Ghana with African Adventures to experience life first-hand in a small coastal region. Not only did our pupils gain valuable experience whilst there, they engaged positively in teamwork, planning and preparing for the trip, acquiring new practical and social skills and raising the funds necessary to support their endeavours. Once in Ghana, they gained valuable insights into Ghanaian life and culture, whilst contributing to the development of school projects as community builders and teaching assistants. They all demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness and returned to the UK with expanded horizons and tales of amazing experiences – and a much better appreciation of life in the UK. You can read about some of the trips below. 

Mr Armshaw: I loved visiting Ghana and meeting some of the Ghanaian people! It is a vibrant country with a lot to offer and we had a rich encounter with the culture and rhythm of daily life. We worked in the humidity and baking sun and we saw the similarities and differences between our school systems. We saw how deeply religious the people are and took part in a joyously noisy Pentecostal Church service. We saw the way the traffic weaved and hawkers sold their wares by the side of the road. We saw shanty towns, bustling markets and heard some of the stories of lives lived on the tough edge. We tasted the delicious Red-Red stew and sweet plantain. We saw the beautiful waterfall at Wli and watched in awe as a thousand fruit bats took flight from the cliff face. It was the people, though, that left the biggest impression on me. They were so warm, friendly and happy. I don’t want to suggest it was plain sailing from start to finish, however. The change of climate, the work, health issues and, at times, the lack of sleep made it a challenging trip but our pupils were so impressive in their resilience, determination and good humour. Above all, they were supportive of each other and that made the experience a pleasure to manage.

Mia: My trip to Ghana has been the most rewarding experience of my life. You are constantly surrounded by the most welcoming people who appreciate all you are doing for them. Knowing that my two weeks here has made such a huge impact on so many lives is a feeling that I will keep with me forever. The country is beautiful, and all the experiences you are given are things you can never forget. The work you do at the schools fills you with so much happiness and gratitude for what you have, but you also realise how much of a positive impact you make for the children. Ghana is the happiest place I have ever been and I will make sure to see it again soon.

Tui: This trip has been the best, most rewarding trip of my life. I have learnt that Ghana is a very beautiful country with the most kind and welcoming people. The work at the projects is tiring and strenuous but worth it all as you know you are making a physical difference to so many young people, just from our presence at the school. We all loved every second of the experience and helped each other through the ups and downs. I will be back so see you soon Ghana!