Adventure & Exploration

The Polar Academy

“THIS ISN’T A BUBBLE WRAPPED SCHOOL TRIP, THIS IS A POLAR EXPEDITION”

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WHAT IS THE POLAR ACADEMY ? | SHORT FILMS | GUIDING TEAM | STRANRAER ACADEMY TEAM | FACEBOOK

Incorporating the 2022 Stranraer Academy squad, this page celebrates their incredible enthusiasm, perseverance, and motivation throughout their participation. Explore the dynamic video content, including visually captivating treats crafted by Ross James, which vividly capture the adventure’s spirit and evoke the beautiful fantasy escapism of the 1980s.

Dive into the Polar Academy’s international recognition as an organisation delivering life-changing opportunities to children and families facing challenges. The 2022 Stranraer Academy team brought unparalleled zeal to this transformative experience.

The Polar Academy focuses on empowering ‘invisible’ children—victims of bullying, abuse, or those grappling with low self-esteem. Through rigorous training, the organisation shapes them into leaders and role models, inspiring thousands of other young people to reach their full potential.

Led by founder Craig Mathieson, Explorer In Residence at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and committee member of The Explorers’ Club Great Britain & Ireland Chapter, the Polar Academy reflects a commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and explorers. Craig’s experiences of ‘inspiration through exploration’ drive the organisation’s dedication to providing genuine life-changing opportunities.

Discover a platform where demanding training goals are consistently surpassed, showcasing the resilience and triumph of our children. The Polar Academy web page stands as a testament to mentorship, resilience, and the enduring spirit of exploration.

WHAT THEY DO

The Polar Academy unlocks the vast potential of young adults and turns them into positive role models for their community and families. Each year The Polar Academy will inspire and motivate thousands of young adults, positively demonstrating that by ‘inspiration through exploration’ anybody can achieve their absolute potential.

HOW THEY DO IT

The Polar Academy conducts visits to schools and offers a selected number of young adults, between the ages of 14 and 17 years old, a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a major Arctic Expedition. This expedition will be beyond anything that they have ever determined to be possible and will positively change the lives of the participants and their families. Returning to the UK as true role models they will have a wide-ranging and positive impact on their communities, as each participant will give back to their peers and community a programme of positive outcomes – each participant is tasked with inspiring a minimum of 3000 other young adults in their community.

WHO ARE THE POLAR ACADEMY

The Polar Academy is the brainchild of, and is run and managed by, Craig Mathieson. Craig is an accomplished and respected explorer, having led the first dedicated Scottish expedition to the South Pole, taken a 16 year old youth to the North Pole and led many other expeditions to the Arctic. In 2013 he was awarded the title of “Explorer in Residence”, by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Together with his team of professionals from the SportsScotland Glenmore Lodge, the National Outdoor Training Centre, they make up the training and expedition team.

WHY THEY NEED TO DO IT

Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Craig has shared his experiences with many schools. The replies he received to questions such as “what do the pupils aspire to?” and “what motivates and inspires them” led him to conclude that irrespective of social background, many young adults have very little self-confidence and motivation and are of the general opinion that they will not be able to achieve anything significant in their lives. Craig decided to do something about addressing this; it was out of this experience that the concept of The Polar Academy was born.

Short Films

The Complete Experience

Welcome

Welcome to the Stranraer Academy Polar Academy video section. Here you will find three unique visual experiences using the latest video and special effects software.

The Official Film

This short film was created to celebrate the success and achievements of The Polar Academy pupils. It is an exciting visual experience featuring Team Leader Craig Mathieson and all of the Stranraer Academy pupils selected for The Polar Academy. Created by our award-winning videographer Ross James, it includes a nostalgic fantasy-inspired soundtrack, great effects and even a little James Bond action.

The Companion Film

This video created by our award-winning videographer Ross James using his trademark professional style features a great collection of training clips and interviews with pupils, parents and Team Leader Craig Mathieson.

The Reflective Film

Students reflect on their experiences and the obstacles they have had to overcome. They also talk about future aspirations, hopes and dreams for the future.

The Official Film

The Companion Film

The Reflective Film

GuidingTeam

“If you don’t find the time, if you don’t do the work, you don’t get the results.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger

Stranraer Academy Team 2021/22

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Young Enterprise

Building a successful and sustainable future for all young people, the Young Enterprise rewards young people with an event that celebrates entrepreneurialism.

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Events

There’s always a lot going on at Stranraer Academy. From inspirational talks and musical performances to careers fairs, and parent’s evenings to school excursions.

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Adventure & Exploration

The Polar Academy

Short Films

The Complete Experience

The Official Film

The Companion Film

The Reflective Film

GuidingTeam

Craig Mathieson

Nigel Williams

George Machardy

Jess Ridgeway

Dr Mike Wild

Scott Graham

Alex Taylor

Arron Goddard

Luke Robertson

Richard Smith

Hazel Robertson

Kenny Noble

“If you don’t find the time, if you don’t do the work, you don’t get the results.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger

Stranraer Academy Team 2021/22

Abbie Arkless

Adam Akenhead

Amber Hannah

Edward Woonton

Ellie Miller

Eloise Moulton

Gabriella Teears

Innes Lockhart

Iona Wallace

Lewis Ryder

Robert Birkett

Eloise Moulton

Facebook Page

Discover More at Stranraer Academy

Young Enterprise

Events

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