Svalbald 2012

Inspiring teachers - changing lives

As a teacher you have no doubt participated in a number of activities that have been intended to develop you personally and professionally. Have any of these activities pushed you to the limit? Have any of them truly inspired you? Have any of them changed your life? Well maybe you don’t want that sort of experience. In which case stop reading now. But if you are up for a real challenge read on.

The Fuchs Foundation provides unique personal development opportunities for teachers through participation in expeditions involving science and education projects in Polar Regions. Fuchs scholars (join us and that is what you will become) have undertaken science in a remote area of Antarctica and they have crossed the Greenland ice cap by dog sled. Why does the Fuchs Foundation offer this opportunity? We believe that teachers will be inspired by their experience and will encourage young people to study science and develop into responsible and committed adults with the character and capacity to lead. Participate in one of our expeditions and you will have a story to tell that will inspire the young people you teach and encourage them to learn about the Polar Regions, what they reveal regarding climate change and their importance to our planet as a whole.

We said real challenge – How about boating through drift ice, camping on glaciers, taking your turn to protect the party from polar bears and making sure that you carry out your science and education projects? If this prospect excites you, then you may want to join us in the high Arctic. The next Fuchs Foundation expedition will take a group of teachers to Svalbard in the summer of 2012. Applicants need to be teachers in primary or secondary education at present and at the time of the expedition, preferably teaching science or geography. They will be selected for their enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to young people. You will also be selected on the basis of your ability to engage your school community in this exciting project. You will lead a fund raising programme that will cover your expedition costs.

Expedition Ethos

The teachers will be empowered on the expedition to make decisions about their expedition under guidance of Bull Precision Expeditions (BPE) leaders. They will make day-to-day decisions on expedition life. This enables schools to use the expedition as a staff development programme where they have teachers who are looking towards senior management positions.

Expedition Presentation

There will be an expedition presentation and briefing weekend for applicants to attend. This will consist of an information session with representatives from the polar field and the chance to ask questions about the expedition. There will also be team building tasks, an outdoor activity and a social event in the evening.

Expedition Training

The expedition will be operating out of tented accommodation and be self-sufficient in the field for the period of three weeks. Successful applicants will be required to attend 3 training weekends to learn how to operate in polar conditions. Weekend one will be based in the Peak District, the second in the Lakes and the final one at the BPE office. Training and guiding/leadership of the expedition will be provided and overseen by Bull Precision Expeditions Ltd.

Timescale

  • Applications Received:  by 4th March 2011
  • Presentation weekend:  End of March 2011
  • Training weekends:  May 2011, February 2012, April 2012
  • Expedition:  June/July 2012

The exact dates are to be confirmed by the Fuchs Foundation in consultation with BPE.

Cost

The expedition cost will be £4500 per person. On selection, successful applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £300 and the outstanding balance is to be paid in instalments. The cost includes the following:
 
  1. Presentation weekend
  2. 3 training weekends
  3. Expedition phase
  4. Flights
  5. Food
  6. Fuel
  7. Group equipment
  8. Medical equipment
  9. Communications
  10. Post expedition report for group
  11. Individual expedition reports
  12. Character reference for schools
  13. Teacher talk back preparation
  14. All meetings and liaison with teachers and FF during planning stages
  15. Insurance
  16. 24 hour back up in UK
  17. FF representative on all training weekends
Not included in the cost is the following:
  1. UK travel
  2. Personal equipment
  3. Personal kit insurance

How to Apply

Send a brief letter of application indicating the following:
  • Your personal goals from the expedition
  • What your students and school will gain
  • How you will go about raising your expedition costs

to Janine Hider - janinehider@bullexpeditions.com.

Enquires are welcome via e-mail or 01623 884322

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Page last modified: 1st Feb 2011 - 14:45:41