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Information for
Teachers - The link teacher is a vital part of a Worldwide School Expedition
The School Link Teacher is a vital part of the expedition. They play a
key role in liaising between VentureCo, the school, the students and the
parents, throughout the Expedition Training Programme. Once on expedition,
they are an integral part of the leader team, working closely with the
Expedition Leader to ensure the success of the expedition.
For this reason we regard our relationship with the Link Teacher as integral to the expedition, and work hard to maintain an excellent rapport with the Link Teacher before, during and after the expedition.
We recognise that becoming a Link Teacher is a significant undertaking that will require time and effort over an 18 month period. At VentureCo we make the Link Teacher's job as easy, offering as much support and training as possible to prepare you for the role.
The Link Teacher Induction Session - VentureCo holds an Induction Session at your school for all Link Teachers, normally just before the Introductory Day at the start of the Expedition Training Programme. This session is free and covers the following areas:
1 - An introduction to VentureCo
2 - The role of the Link Teacher explained
3 - Benefits for the Link Teacher
4 - VentureCo's Support and the Link Teacher Support Pack
5 - Destinations & Itineraries
6 - Team Fundraising Events
7 - Health and Safety and Risk Assessments
8 - Duty of Care
9 - Medical Procedures
10 - Emergencies
11 - Safety and Backup
The Role of the Link Teacher - You act as the link
between VentureCo and the expedition team. During both the 18 month Expedition
Training Programme and the expedition itself, your continual commitment
is required, though VentureCo will provide support and administrative
assistance at all times.
During the 18-month Expedition Training Programme the role of the Link Teacher involves:
1 - Attending the Link Teachers' Induction Session.
2 - Attending and supporting the Introductory Day, the Practical Preparations Day, the Expedition Training Weekend and the Final Preparations Day.
3 - Assist and support the students with team fundraising events.
During the expedition itself the Link Teacher is responsible for the pastoral care of the team, and to provide support to the Expedition Leader. You will not be expected to take responsibility for the group's safety or to act as a leader. After the expedition the Link Teacher is expected to attend and support the Expedition Debrief.
The Benefits of being a Link Teacher - Personally, professionally for
both yourself and the pupils
Taking part in a school expedition as a Link Teacher, is an excellent
opportunity not only to observe the development and maturing of your students,
but to also develop personally and professionally yourself.
The chance to travel to remote, beautiful locations, to experience new cultures and languages, to take part in activities that may push you outside your "comfort zone" and to travel as part of a team, all offer excellent opportunities for personal development. An expedition can broaden your horizons, and allow you time to reflect on and assess your own attitudes, responses and actions.
The activities and challenges faced on expedition will require leadership, teamwork and communication, as well as planning, and organisation. Having applied these skills to practical, real situations, you will be well placed to put them into action upon returning to the workplace.
The experience of acting as a Link Teacher, can improve career opportunities, and enhance your CV, as well as providing an excellent opportunity to travel and to develop your interpersonal skills.
The Link Teacher's place on the expedition is fully-funded; all flights and in-country expenses are covered by VentureCo.
