Feb 09 - Student’s South Pole Fly-Over
Students of the Royal Alexandra and Albert School had the trip of a lifetime when they went to the South Pole to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its discovery. Sixth formers, Rowan Slaney and Tim Linehan both aged 16, accompanied the Duke of Gloucester on the expedition which was organised by the Australian Society of Victoria in Australia. The highlight of the trip was a 12 hour flight with the Duke which flew them to Antarctica and directly over the South Pole.The week-long trip started with a flight to Melbourne, Australia where Tim and Rowan met up with 60 other students who had also been chosen to be ‘Young Science Ambassadors’. The students had been selected from schools across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland and the UK and part of the programme is to present their findings to fellow students on their return.
After the South Pole flight, the students attended a series of science-related visits and events followed, on the last day, by a Reception in Government House. Rowan Slaney said “I will never forget this trip, it has changed my life; it’s one of the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’ve made 60 new friends and even more beautiful memories”.
Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis said “Rowan and Tim had a fantastic time on this trip and had some unforgettable experiences. They have both worked hard during their time at this school and thoroughly deserved this opportunity.”
