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VentureCo School Expeditions > Building an Expedition > Expedition Timetable
Expedition Timetable
- Events and time schedule, before, during and after the expedition
1.The
Initial Brief (D Day - 2 years approx.)
The school Link Teacher(s) and the VentureCo Expedition Co-ordinator meet
to discuss the destination and define the Expedition's aims and objectives.
The Expedition Co-ordinator produces an expedition proposal with project
and activity options for the school to consider. Further correspondence
(and meetings if required) finalises the expedition content and an itinerary
is drawn up. VentureCo will cost the expedition and discuss teacher discounts
and/or complimentary places. Dates and prices are agreed. The expedition
is presented to the school and to parents; group numbers are defined.
2. Link Teachers' Induction Session (D Day - 20
months approx.)
This session aims to define roles and responsibilities and to make the
Leader Team aware of the expedition safety plan. Areas such as administration,
school and/or LEA policies, risk assessments, duty of care and emergency
procedures are covered. We also discuss the day to day running of the
expedition, the Link Teachers' roles and their relationship with the Expedition
Leader. A timetable for pre-departure preparation is drawn up. Further
field training for the Link Teachers may be arranged, if requested.
3. Expedition Introduction Session (D Day - 18
months approx.)
VentureCo visit your school or college to kick-start the training programme.
We introduce each phase of the expedition to the group with country and
activity presentations and we discuss the training programme necessary
to prepare them for travelling overseas. The groups(s) discuss, plan and
complete both mental and practical tasks that require teamwork to succeed
- your School Expedition has begun!
VentureCo can also assist with your Expedition fundraising efforts. Our Fundraising Workshop covers areas such as holiday work, managing money, personal fundraising initiatives and raising funds as a team. Each student receives a Fundraising Support Pack, and by the end of the session we should have made the initial plans for a team fundraising event.
The Expedition Introduction can be a half-day or full-day session.
4. Travel Safety Course (D Day - 16 weeks approx.)
This important half-day session covers health and vaccinations, travel
documentation, clothing and equipment for the Venture. We also discuss
safety and security, how to stay in touch when overseas and there will
be project/expedition updates from our in-country team. The presentation
includes an equipment demonstration, and there will be the opportunity
to buy specialist items of equipment. This session can be held in the
evening to enable parents to attend.
5. Expedition Skills Training Weekend (Flexible
timing)
The weekend can be a 2day/1night or 3 day/2night event. The aim is to
introduce the group to the expedition equipment and to become practiced
in working as a team in the field. A mini-expedition will test out equipment
and provide a taste of camping, trekking, navigation and cooking in the
field.
We practice our responses to scenarios involving health, safety and security, emergency and medical procedures. Finally there will be a presentation on the host country, covering areas such as its history, geography, cultural and religious differences, attitudes towards women and dress code.
The weekend is also an opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader, who will lead the training, with support from the VentureCo staff.
6.
Final Preparation Day (D Day!)
This session is held on the day of departure (or day before depending
on school location and time of departure). The final expedition brief
covers safety, documentation and equipment. With last minute checks completed,
the team depart for the airport and the expedition is underway.
7. The Expedition
8. Expedition Debrief
Student achievement and progress during the expedition is continually
assessed by both the Expedition Leader and the Link Teacher. Students
are encouraged to identify their successes and failures during the expedition
and the skills they have developed. The Expedition Leader provides valuable
feedback to each student when the Expedition ends and he/she will then
discuss how the student can best put their experiences into practice in
future education and employment.
9. Post Expedition Presentation
VentureCo can provide advice and support to the Expedition team when making
presentations to the school.
