PEMBROKESHIRE schoolchildren celebrated 20 years of the Dragon Darwin Experience with interactive STEM workshops and performances, reflecting on their scientific journey.

The Merlin Theatre at Pembrokeshire College came alive with curiosity and creativity as pupils from St Teilo’s, Coastlands, Neyland and Monkton Priory took part in a special Science Spectacular event celebrating 20 years of the Dragon Darwin Experience.

The full-day celebration brought together young learners from across the county for a hands-on programme of STEM workshops, reflection and performance, marking two decades of inspiring schools through science, technology and environmental learning.

Throughout the day, pupils rotated through a series of interactive workshops led by expert partners:

Tim from Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum introduced learners to the future of renewable energy and sustainability.

St Teilo's and renewable energy with Tim Brew from Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum
St Teilo's and renewable energy with Tim Brew from Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (Darwin Centre)

Ginny and Orla from Pembrokeshire Hogspital delivered an engaging wildlife conservation session focused on hedgehog care and protection.

St Teilo's pupils with a rescued hedgehog
St Teilo's pupils with a rescued hedgehog (Darwin Centre)

Eugenia from Braintastic Science challenged pupils’ perception with a workshop on optical illusions and sensory science.

St Teilo's pupils with their optical illusions
St Teilo's pupils with their optical illusions (Darwin Centre)

A particularly special part of the day saw each school share a display showcasing their work with the Dragon Darwin Experience over the past 20 years. Pupils proudly presented their favourite activities, projects and fieldwork memories, offering a powerful reflection on the programme’s long-term impact.

Neyland pupils presenting their work with the Darwin Centre over the past 20 years
Neyland pupils presenting their work with the Darwin Centre over the past 20 years (Darwin Centre)

Following lunch, the whole group gathered in the Merlin Theatre for a high-energy, science-based stage show from Braintastic Science. “That’s Non Sense!” explored the complexity of the human senses through mind-blowing illusions, demonstrations and audience participation. Pupils discovered why spinning makes us dizzy, how the brain can be tricked, and even explored lesser-known senses such as proprioception, all delivered with humour and excitement.

That's Non Sense stage show with Braintastic Science
That's Non Sense stage show with Braintastic Science (Darwin Centre)

St Teilo’s School in Tenby issued a “huge thank you to Darwin for organising such a fun and inspiring day – we loved every moment!

“Our brilliant ambassadors, Jack and Peyton, gave a wonderful presentation all about our school’s Darwin Science journey over the years – sharing how much we’ve learned and grown.”

Monkton Priory School called the experience “another amazing, fun filled day of science.”

Monkton Priory pupils with Sam, Amy and Marten
Monkton Priory pupils with Sam, Amy and Marten (Darwin Centre)

Samantha Williams, Darwin Centre Manager, said:

“This event was a wonderful celebration of everything the Dragon Darwin Experience represents — curiosity, confidence and hands-on learning. Seeing pupils from four different schools learning together, sharing their memories and being completely absorbed in science was incredibly special. The Science Spectacular perfectly captured the spirit of our 20-year journey.”

She added:

“Our long-standing partnership with Dragon LNG has been central to making events like this possible. Their continued support over two decades has enabled us to deliver meaningful, memorable STEM experiences to thousands of young people across Pembrokeshire.”

The Science Spectacular formed part of a wider programme of anniversary celebrations marking 20 years since the Dragon Darwin Experience first launched in 2005.

The Dragon Darwin Experience extends sincere thanks to all participating schools, workshop leaders and performers, and to Pembrokeshire College for hosting the event in the Merlin Theatre.

For further information about the Dragon Darwin Experience and its work with schools across Pembrokeshire, or to book a free STEM session for your class, contact: [email protected] .