The Fuchs Foundation put ads out calling for teachers to take part in a polar expedition at
the start of 2006. Their aim was to select 4 teachers from around the country who would take part in a scientific expedition to Antarctica in 2007.
The first round of the application process was by letter. Teachers had to write explaining why they wanted to go and what science project they would like to carry out in Antarctica. The emphasis was placed on the science right at the start. After all, this expedition was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sir Vivian Fuchs’ epic trans-Antarctic crossing; a serious scientific expedition which taught us a great deal about polar science.
Only nine teachers made it through to the second round. This was a three day selection
process held in the Peak District. It was an intense three days where the teachers were well and truly put through their paces. They had to give several presentations including talks on the science projects they wanted to do, and how they could relate field work back into the classroom. There were also sleep-deprivation exercises, interviews and tests of physical ability and fitness. One of the activities involved a surprise awakening at 1am to hike up Kinder Scout in the dark looking for an injured ‘person’ at an unknown location. Five hours later we got back to base, gave presentations on a diverse range of topics, slammed down some breakfast and then set out for another long hike.
After the Peaks selection, 4 teachers were chosen to go south. The FFAE2007 team are:
Phil Avery, a geography teacher from Oxted School in Oxted, Surrey
Ruth Hollinger, a geography teacher from Tapton School in Sheffield
Ian Richardson, Head of Biology at Freman College in Buntingford, Herts.
Amy Rogers, a science teacher from Higham Lane School in Nuneaton, Warwickshire
You can follow their progress on their websites and through the Fuchs Foundation.
FFAE2007, from right to left: Carl Alvey (expedition guide), Ian Richardson, Phil Avery, Ruth Hollinger, Amy Rogers, Carolyn Bailey (expedition leader)
