19 pupils from St Aidan’s High School and Coltness High School travelled to Sportscotland Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore during the October week. These pupils are all part of the Polar Academy, which is an initiative founded by explorer Craig Mathieson. This group is split in to two teams, the Expedition Team who will be trekking to the Arctic circle next April to explore some of the most remote places in Greenland. Whereas the Leadership Team, as well as being reserves for the expedition, will be delivering outdoor activities to schools across North Lanarkshire.

During the week at Glenmore Lodge, the Leadership Team completed various qualifications and activities including the Orienteering Leadership Award, 1 Star Award in Canoeing, a workshop in mountain bike maintenance and skills and finally an introduction to climbing. Meanwhile the Expedition Team were preparing for their adventure in Greenland with tuition in polar camping skills and a three day wild camping trip across the Cairngorms.

The pupils involved in the Polar Academy include:

Coltness High School: Jack Inglis, Holly Stewart, Rhiannon Walker, Colin Myles, Jodie Thorburn, Taylor Stevenson, Jordan Allen, Katie Allan, Emma Colquhoun, Ross Boyle.

St Aidan’s High School: Carla Brawley, Sara Dunn, Morgan Healy, Paul Shuttleworth & Mateusz Trojnar. Andrew Bowman, Sarah Healy, Declan Hutton & Danielle Sinclair.

Active Schools coordinators Joanne Cuthbertson & Nicola Joergensen assisted Craig Mathieson in securing a £10,000 Awards for All grant to fund the activities at Glenmore Lodge.

Both schools would also like to thank Moira Healy, Cameron Inglis and Claire Hughes for their invaluable contribution to the training week.

Kind regards

Joanne Cuthbertson

Active Schools Coordinator