TO mark their 20th anniversary in 2025, Dragon Darwin Experience returned to Roch Community School in Pembrokeshire - the very first school to take part in the programme 20 years ago.

The celebratory visit brought a full day of hands-on STEM activities to every pupil in the school, honouring both the origins of the initiative and its lasting impact on young people across Pembrokeshire.

The Dragon Darwin Experience began on November 10, 2005, when Year 6 pupils from Roch CP School boarded a specially designed IT bus for the programme’s very first STEM workshop. Two decades later, the school once again became the centre of exploration, curiosity and discovery as pupils took part in a wide range of interactive science and environmental activities.

Throughout the day, Dosbarth Enfys and Dosbarth Coch worked with Ginny from Pembrokeshire Hogspital, learning how to recognise when a hedgehog needs help, what to do if they see one during the day, and how to keep these vulnerable animals safe. Dosbarth Glas and Dosbarth Gwyrdd explored the connection between science and creativity with Eugenia from Braintastic Science, encouraging pupils to experiment, question and think imaginatively.

All classes also visited Darwin’s Discovery Room, where Amy and Sam had created a series of engaging investigation stations including minibeasts and microscopes, seaweed and shell touch trays, mermaids’ purses, and a marine litter versus natural finds sorting activity. The sessions gave pupils the opportunity to explore biodiversity, marine science and environmental responsibility in a hands-on way.

The celebration concluded with the whole school gathering for “Amazing Animals”, a lively stage show delivered by Yaz from Braintastic Science. Packed with demonstrations, humour and audience participation, the show challenged pupils to test their own intelligence against that of animals, creating an exciting and memorable end to the day.

The event formed part of the wider 20th anniversary celebrations for the Dragon Darwin Experience, a programme that has grown significantly since its beginnings at Roch and now delivers workshops, field trips to schools across Pembrokeshire. The Darwin team also welcomed back Marten Lewis, who founded the education programme 20 years ago, for the festivities and to share his memories with teaching staff and pupils.

The Dragon Darwin Experience would like to thank Roch Community School for their continued enthusiasm and partnership over the past 20 years. Sincere thanks are also extended to long-term sponsors Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy, whose support has played a vital role in enabling thousands of young people to access high-quality STEM learning opportunities.

Samantha Williams, Darwin Centre Manager said: “This event at Roch Community School was incredibly special for us, as it’s where the Dragon Darwin Experience began 20 years ago. Our long-standing partnership with Dragon LNG has been absolutely central to this journey. Their continued support over two decades has enabled us to reach tens of thousands of young people across Pembrokeshire and inspire future generations to explore STEM, the natural world and the possibilities ahead of them.”

For further information about the Dragon Darwin Experience or to book a free STEM session for your school, email the team on [email protected] .