Iceland 2014

The Fuchs Foundation Expedition Challenges for Teachers

The Chris Henstock Memorial Expedition 2014
 

 
 
 
Background

Since 2005 the Fuchs Foundation has run expeditions for science and geography teachers to the Antarctic and Arctic for up to four to six weeks.   These expeditions had a serious purpose of giving teachers the opportunity to experience extreme conditions, living and working together as a team and carrying out scientific experiments.  This resulted in turning good teachers into excellent leaders in their profession, providing further teaching resources, but above all inspiring their students and the wider educational community. 

Concept
 
Now, in 2013, a new direction is being taken and it has been decided to open this opportunity  to practising teachers in all sectors of education and to students in 6th form, further and higher education. The Fuchs Foundation , in partnership with its expedition provider, BPE Ltd, will send groups of teachers and students on expeditions which through challenging conditions and adventure will be a life changing experience.
The expeditions will be shorter in duration and to destinations not necessarily limited to Polar Regions, but embracing the whole geographical spectrum and the Fuchs Foundation’s ethos.     

The Chris Henstock Memorial Expedition 2014

This expedition is to be run in the name and honour of Chris Henstock, education advisor to the Fuchs Foundation, who was a great inspiration and is greatly missed.

The first expedition will be to Iceland, consisting of a trek to and across the Drangajokull icecap on the North West peninsula. It will be a challenging trek with wild camping in the high mountains and an ascent of the icecap. It is a journey during which participants will be expected to undertake their own personal project, be it of an environmental, photographic or artistic nature.
 
Expedition Details

After flying into Keflavik from the UK, the expedition will provision in Reykjavik before flying on to Isafjordur, then taking the ferry to the North West peninsula. The expedition will then trek across the peninsula to a ferry pick up on the other side; taking in the Drangajokull icecap, a walk of 5 days. The expedition will then return to Reykjavik and back to the UK.

Dates
TBC

Cost
£1600 per person

The cost will include the following:

1.    One training weekend in the Peak District
2.    Leaders
3.    Expedition phase
4.    Flights between the UK and Iceland and in-country in Iceland
5.    Food in Iceland
6.    Cooking fuel
7.    Group equipment
8.    Medical equipment
9.    Communications
10.    Post expedition report for group and individuals (if required)
11.    Post expedition presentation development
12.    Travel cancellation and medical expenses insurance
13.    24 hour a day back up from UK

Not included in the cost is the following:

1.    UK travel
2.    Personal equipment. BPE has discount arrangements with Cotswold Outdoors
3.    Insurance for personal baggage, clothing and effects or delayed baggage


Fitness

Participants will need to be fit and be prepared to undertake long days in an outdoor environment. Fitness for purpose will be looked at on the training weekend, with guidance for improving fitness given.

Who can apply?

The expedition is open to all practising teachers in all sectors of education. It is also open to students in 6th form, further or higher education.

Application Process

To apply, please fill out the attached application form and return with a deposit of £100. Suitable candidates will be informed and a place reserved on the training weekend.

Training weekend

A weekend will be held during the Easter holidays 2014 in the Peak District which will focus on all aspects of the expedition, i.e. camp craft, clothing and equipment, fitness, fund-raising and projects.  It is essential that applicants ensure that they can attend this weekend.

Page last modified: 20th Nov 2013 - 11:03:21