the life of an explorer

I love talking about travel and adventure, and this is an opportunity to bring that passion and excitement into your school. In particular I like to talk about how my interest in geography as a student inspired me to try and understand more about the planet we live on, and ultimately led me to my current path. Previous sessions have involved Q&A opportunities with students, adventure equipment demonstrations, and presentations about specific adventures from my life as an explorer.

More details about adventures and expeditions I have undertaken can be found here

what’s it like to be a volcanologist?

Volcanoes are one of my geographical passions, and I really enjoy sharing my experiences of living in their shadow during my time spent working as a volcanologist in Mexico and the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Sessions in the past have included looking at real samples of erupted material, an in depth understanding of the role of a volcanologist and and introduction to the science and technology behind monitoring and communicating volcanic risk, and running a decision making exercise to give students to step into the shoes of a volcanologist.

Mapping overland journeys

If you’re looking for interesting and engaging ways to improve your student’s atlas or mapping skills, then why not challenge them to map one of my overland journeys and then open up the discussion around how I made them, and hear stories from the road? From UK based cycling adventures to bus trips crossing the African continent, this session can be differentiated to meet the needs or your class. Previous sessions have included numeracy skills to work out distance, speed and times of my trips, an introduction to the concepts behind longitude and latitude, and a look into how ecosystems and biome change as you travel large distances.

tropical rainforests & challenges

Rainforests are amazing places, and we can learn so much from them! As well as introducing the details of this special environment from first hand experience of living and working there, this session also begins to introduce some of the challenges faced by tropical rainforests such as illegal logging, resource extraction, and the development of roads and related conflicts.

Have you got what it takes to live in the jungle? I can bring my jungle bag into your classroom and show your students the kit I take with me, or even setting up a jungle ‘camp’ in the school grounds!

See Outdoor Sessions for more information.

tuvalu - the impact of sea level rise

What is life like in one of the smallest countries in the world? Having spent a year living and working in the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, I’ve definitely got a not of an insight into life in this incredible corner of the Pacific! Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world, and with a high point of just 4m above sea level it is one of the places most at risk of sea level rise. If you’re looking for a real life case study about the reality of climate change, or think your students might enjoy hearing stories from this special part of the world, then this session could be for you!

For more information about my time living in Tuvalu you can click here.

tourism - a blessing or a curse?

Tourism is a key factor of development for certain countries, but what are the problems associated with it? Hear my first hand experiences of what tourism means to three neighbouring but very different countries in North Africa (Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia).

This session is framed by my journey travelling through North Africa in search of evidence of my Great Grandfather - more information about this adventure can be found here.

Map skills and why they’re useful

Map skills are an integral part of the Geography curriculum, but I know from experience it can be challenging to engage students in learning about them! This sessions aims to introduce student to situations when I have had to rely in my map skills, and how learning to use maps can truly open up a whole world of adventure. From basic map reading right up to creating a bespoke orienteering route around your school site (or further afield if available) if you want to add another dimension to teaching your students about maps and navigation, then this session could be for you.