November 2018

19th November 2018
On Monday 19th November, our Polar Ambassador Ricky Munday visited us to give an inspiring assembly to the whole school. This assembly launched our participation in the Polar Explorer Programme which will raise the profile of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in schools across the country in conjunction with the building and subsequent launch of RSS Sir David Attenborough (Boaty McBoatface). 
 
Ricky has worked for the British Antarctic Survey and has volunteered for the Red Cross as well as pursuing his own expeditions on six continents. In 2017, Ricky attempted to climb Everest but with a lack of oxygen and worsening weather he made the decision to turn back a few hundred meters from the summit. He returned home to reflect on failing in his dream and thought about what he would do if he ever had another chance to attempt to reach the summit, including carrying extra oxygen bottles and food that he would be able to digest more easily and that would provide the energy needed. 
 
In May 2018, 6 months and 1 day before his visit to Ellwood, Ricky successfully reached the summit of Everest. His message to Ellwood was to 'Follow your dreams, don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. If you don't manage it the first time try again, try again, try again!'