// The Expedition Cycle

An Adventureworks expedition provides an opportunity for students and staff to challenge themselves physically, mentally and emotionally in an environment far removed from the classroom. Ranging from a week, our expeditions visit destinations as far afield and diverse as Northern India, Ecuador, Morocco and Greenland. Programmes typically include trekking and community projects, and are a chance for students to develop useful skills, such as teamwork and leadership, as well as gain a vivid appreciation of the wider world.

As a team, Adventureworks staff aim to help you develop a programme that is challenging yet attainable, but exciting for all participants using on our expedition cycle.

Planning

Planning

Since every expedition team is different, with varying aspirations and needs, we aim to work with you to create a customised expedition package. To begin with, we will identify a suitable expedition destination based on when and where you or the school would like to go, suitable activities and projects, cost and timeframe. Your itinerary may be a tried and tested schedule or a new programme, tailored to your specific needs. To see in more detail the elements which make up a typical expedition please read [More]

The initial phase of the programme is often the hardest part of all - deciding where in the world to go. Adventureworks staff are on-hand to provide inspiration and ideas, as well as examples of possible itineraries. Adventureworks Office staff and Regional Coordinators will happily discuss the various options with you and help you decide on your destination, as being the best place to meet your aspirations and objectives.
We can also provide our 'Expedition Organisers Handbook' which is designed to assist you with the planning process and also gain permission from your Governing Body, Local Education Authority or Educational Visits Coordinator.

During its development, the expedition programme is risk-assessed and a management plan put in place. Please read [more] about our leaders who are key to managing the identified risks in each field and also our [insurance cover.]

Promotion

Promotion

Once an expedition programme has been agreed, Adventureworks staff will help promote the expedition by giving a presentation to potential participants in an assembly or meeting at your school. We can also provide posters and itineraries, to inspire students and convince them of the benefits of taking part. Adventureworks staff will also meet parents to discuss the proposed expedition itinerary, the leader, safety, back-up and insurance. As interest grows, we will issue fundraising booklets and provide booking packs with details of payment schedules. [More]

Training

Training

Our aim is to ensure that all school staff and team members are fully prepared for the challenges of the expedition. For more information concerning our training and preparation programmes please read [more]

Expedition

Expedition

During the expedition itself, the team will find themselves facing an array of challenges, from buying food in the marketplace, working in schools with local children, to making a dawn ascent of a challenging mountain. Expeditions serve as the perfect framework within which to develop young people and team members will find themselves learning and practising key life skills, including leadership, teamwork, communication, decision-making and planning.

After the months of planning and preparation, your expedition begins. The Expedition Experience includes four main elements which are then developed into an expedition itinerary. [More]

Review

Review

Throughout a team's time overseas, each member will be encouraged to keep a diary, where personal thoughts and experiences can be logged. During the expedition the leader will review each section of the programme with both staff and students as it is completed. In this way the leadership team can ensure that expectations are being met and everybody is gaining the maximum benefit from their expedition.

Upon completion of the expedition, both students and staff will be asked to provide both verbal and written feedback on their experience, as part of a post-expedition review visit. Such feedback is vital for ensuring the continued high quality of future Adventureworks expeditions. Students will also be encouraged to write their own reports and put together a presentation for parents, staff and other students.