This year's Grand Edventure took pupils on an unforgettable journey across the dramatic landscapes and distinctive cultures of Norway and Iceland. As part of Wellington Shanghai's Educational Excursions programme, the Grand Edventure blends classroom learning with real‑world exploration, helping pupils build global awareness, cultural understanding and a sense of environmental responsibility.

Building on the success of previous expeditions, the 2026 journey focused on the Nordic region, giving pupils the chance to experience some of the world's most striking natural environments while engaging first-hand with the societies that inhabit them.

Over two weeks, they explored a wide range of cultural, economic and environmental perspectives through museum visits, expert talks, field activities and guided tours.

A particular highlight for many was the opportunity to learn from members of the Sámi community in northern Norway. Pupils learned about indigenous traditions and how Sámi communities have adapted to the Arctic environment while balancing cultural heritage with contemporary life. Feeding reindeer and learning about sustainable pastoralism brought these lessons vividly to life, before the Arctic adventure continued the following day with an exhilarating dog sledding experience.

Tromsø also left a lasting impression. For several pupils, it was their first encounter with snow, and simply playing in it became a shared moment of joy. The visit grew even more memorable when a break in the clouds revealed the spectacular Aurora Borealis shimmering across the night sky.

Environmental learning was woven throughout the itinerary as well. At the Carbfix geothermal exhibition in Iceland, pupils saw innovative approaches to tackling climate change, including how carbon capture technology can significantly reduce atmospheric emissions. Their growing knowledge and enthusiasm were on full display during the Grand Pub Quiz near the end of the trip, where teams proudly showcased what they had learned.

Above all, the most meaningful outcome of the expedition was the personal growth evident in the pupils themselves. Over the course of the journey, they developed confidence, strengthened their time‑management skills and embraced new challenges with increasing independence. Many returned inspired by fresh ideas, new academic interests and potential career pathways they had not previously considered — a true reflection of the spirit and purpose of our Grand Edventure programme.