2 intrepid explorers from Cowes Enterprise College have been sharing their experiences after a once in a lifetime adventure in the Yukon.
Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) students took part in the trip of a lifetime this summer, joining an expedition to the Yukon in North West Canada, and are now working to inspire their fellow students to follow in their footsteps.
Oliver Scragg and Pipi-Lotta Kulla won their places on the expedition in a competition organised by the Trust in partnership with the British Exploring Society, undertaking a 3-week expedition to the territory, led by expert science leaders.
The expedition was an “adventure with a purpose”, combining scientific field work, such as water sampling and ornithology studies, with media tasks such as photography, videography, writing, presenting and sketching. This was all in addition to challenging outdoor tasks.
Being cut-off from modern conveniences, including running water and smart phones, and facing a range of tough physical challenges, such as canoeing and rock climbing, each member of the expedition had to demonstrate both mental and physical endurance. The expedition was divided into a number of sub-groups called ‘Fires’, and each ‘Fire’ had to adapt and pull together as a team to succeed, developing invaluable leadership and team working skills.
The students’ experiences were recorded in the ‘Fire Diaries’, a collection of photos and handwritten notes each member contributed to, which are currently in the process of being digitised to inspire the next cohort of intrepid explorers amongst their fellow students across the OAT network. The students have also shared their experiences in lessons and assemblies, seeking to inspire their peers to pursue adventure.
OAT and British Exploring paid for two thirds of the expedition and the students were challenged to raise the remaining £1,200 through a range of measures, such as weekly bake sales and sponsored runs. Fundraising is a key component to the expedition – teaching students determination, resilience, and demonstrating what is possible when you put your mind to something.
This competition and expedition was organised by OAT in line with its Trust-wide Enrichment Charter, through which the Trust seeks to provide students with opportunities to take part in a range of different extracurricular activities and to give them chances to learn outside the classroom. This is designed to raise OAT students’ aspirations and broaden their horizons, enriching the lives of students across the network.
Rachel Kitley, Principal of Cowes Enterprise College, said:
“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students which I’m pleased to say they grasped with both hands. Having opportunities like this really brings learning to life and inspires young people to develop their talents.”
