HOEDSPRUIT – Excitement rippled through Southern Cross Schools (SCS) this week when a camera trap set up by the “porcupine class” captured remarkable wildlife footage right on campus.

With the guidance of the school’s new environmental teacher, Grant Christie, learners installed the trap near a burrow in the car park between the pre- and prep schools.

Their curiosity was rewarded almost immediately; on the very first night, the camera recorded an aardvark exploring the area. By the following morning, footage revealed a warthog emerging from the burrow, confirming that the site is once again active.

For the porcupine class, the project was more than just setting up a device. Learners were actively involved in selecting the location, predicting which species might be captured, and seeing how technology can reveal the hidden lives of animals.

Christie’s arrival at SCS has already sparked enthusiasm among staff and learners alike. “It’s incredible for the children to see how much wildlife is literally on their doorstep,” he said.

“Projects like these encourage curiosity, respect for nature, and a deeper understanding of the environment we live in.”

SCS media liaison, Alex Adams, praised the initiative and the learners’ involvement. “This is what makes our school unique, giving children direct access to the natural world, not just in theory but in real, hands-on experiences,” he said.

“The excitement of discovering an aardvark on campus is something our learners will never forget.”

The school community has welcomed Christie warmly, eager for more discoveries. With camera traps and other field-based projects planned, learners can expect more opportunities to experience the wilderness in new and innovative ways.

For now, though, the sight of an aardvark and warthog roaming so close to classrooms has left the campus buzzing with excitement, a reminder that at Southern Cross Schools, the wild is never far away.