In this programme, three teachers exchange their classrooms for berths on an adventurous sailing trip to the high Arctic.
On two recent voyages to the remote northern islands of Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic, artists, scientists, teachers and filmmakers were brought together to draw attention to the impact of global warming in the Arctic. The teachers on the expedition were able to create innovative curriculum materials for science and geography.
Geography headteacher Garry Doyland and science teacher Suba Subramaniam went on the first Cape Farewell voyage in May 2003 to create and present material for a new geography curriculum. Mike Vingoe, previously head of science at Riddlesdown High School, went on the second voyage in September 2004 to produce material on global warming. The teachers reflect on their experiences in the Arctic, their deepening engagement with the issues of climate change, and the perils of seasickness.
This programme illustrates:
- How teachers can get actively involved in creating teaching materials
- How the classroom can engage with real-world issues
- How the problem of global warming can be brought viscerally to life in the classroom
