Geography Society Welcomes BSES Arctic Leader

On Monday 17th October the Upper College Geography Society were very pleased to host British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) Chief Arctic Leader Dr Trevor Clarke. Dr Clarke is a veteran of 5 arctic expeditions to Svalbard and Northern Norway and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

BSES Expeditions is the longest running and most experienced youth organisation of its kind. The founder of BSES, the late Surgeon Commander George Murray Levick RN, accompanied Old Cheltonian Dr Edward Wilson on Captain Scott's final Antarctic expedition of 1910-13. Since that time BSES expeditions have focused on environmental science giving young people the opportunity to experience field-work first-hand and bring classroom learning to life, as well as develop resilience and leadership skills.

Dr Clarke displayed stunning photography as he entertained the students, staff and parents of Cheltenham College, Dean Close and Pate's Grammar with tales of the challenges faced by young explorers in their "fires" (expeditionary research groups).

“The ability of being able to tell your friends, family or future employer that you have spent three weeks in the Arctic or a month trekking across the Namib desert is exceptional. The BSES presentation by Dr Trevor Clarke made me realise that such expeditions were possible and that they not only give you a sense of personal achievement but can genuinely support you beyond school life as well. I do not see how anyone can ignore such an opportunity”.

For more information please visit http://www.bses.org.uk/