St Mary’s students take on life-changing adventure in the Atlas Mountains
During the October half-term break, 11 courageous students from Year 9 and Year 10 embarked on an unforgettable expedition to Morocco, journeying through the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains as part of a True Adventure experience.
The group began their trip in Marrakesh, the bustling gateway to the mountains, before travelling to the small village of Bou Tharar. Here, the students took part in a meaningful community project: helping to replace the village’s broken water system. Their work involved digging a trench and laying new piping to carry water from the river valley up to homes high in the mountains - a vital improvement that will save the women of the village from long, strenuous, and sometimes hazardous daily trips to collect water for their families.
Alongside their hard work, the girls also found time to connect with the local community through sport, organising a lively football match with Moroccan students. Skill, energy and teamwork were on full display - with some impressive defensive prowess from Mrs Helliar, delighting both teams and spectators!
The adventure continued as the group trekked through the beautiful Agouti Gorge in the Valley of the Roses before travelling east to Merzouga and the edge of the Sahara Desert. One of the trip’s most memorable moments came as the students rode camels through a sandstorm to reach their desert camp, where they spent a night under canvas beneath the vast Saharan sky.
On their return journey, the group visited the iconic Ait Ben Haddou - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters. Here, they explored the ancient kasbah, took in spectacular views, and even tested their bargaining skills in the local markets. The final evening was spent sharing a celebratory team meal in the vibrant heart of Marrakesh before returning home, tired but thrilled by all they had experienced.
True Adventure leader Beth praised the students for their resilience, teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the journey.
She noted how inspiring it was to see each girl
“grow as a leader, take on difficult challenges, and truly embrace the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones.”
This unforgettable expedition not only offered breathtaking scenery and cultural discovery, but also challenged our students to make a real difference whilst discovering new strengths within themselves.
November 2025