Just as Captain Scott involved many schools in the work of his expedition to educate and inspire future generations, so will the ISCE. Centred in the heart of Captain Scott’s home town, the programme will be developed in partnership with Plymouth based Education Through Expeditions (ETE)

Nestled between Dartmoor and the English Channel, with one of the largest natural harbours in Europe, Plymouth is from where the Pilgrim Fathers sailed on the Mayflower to the Americas, the location where Drake defeated the Armada, the port from which Darwin sailed to the Galapagos Islands and the birth place of Captain Robert Falcon Scott RN. It is a seafaring city which has strong ties with the Royal Navy and will also be celebrating the sesquicentennial of the University of Plymouth’s School of Navigation in 2012. Plymouth is proud of its heritage and is an inspiring location, providing opportunities for an extensive Scott Centenary Outreach Programme.

Through developing resources and activities directly linked with the National Curriculum, we will aim to reach out to a global audience. Our aim is not only to inspire hearts and minds in celebrating the Scott centenary but to raise aspirations and drive entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. In addition, as Scott himself realised, the science of the Antarctic regions is critical in developing an understanding of our planet. This is particularly true today in apprehending the environmental impacts we have, from the ozone hole to climate change and sustainability. The ISCE therefore represents a key educational opportunity for educating in these fields towards the development of community and global citizenship.

Linked strategic working is planned between ETE, the University, the Plymouth City Council, Plymouth City Centre Company, City Development Company, the Local Strategic Partnership and media partners. Core aims will include:

• Education through science
• Inspiration and aspiration raising
• Education through history
• Promotion of community and global citizenship
• Education through environment

“I have learnt through a colleague of your work on education and climate change through expeditions. May I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your innovative approach to education and to encourage you in your aim to inspire and educate children globally about climate change. I wish you well. Warmly and with a smile.”

Vernor Muñoz Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Human Rights Council, United Nations