“Tuesday saw the return of world-renowned explorer and author Benedict Allen. He last visited in March for World Book Day and returned to launch his new children’s book, Nine Times I Nearly Died. The book is a collection of the close shaves Benedict has experienced on his adventures. It is aimed at children aged 7–14 and contains his stories, fact boxes and humorous sketches of his encounters. Ballard received 144 advance copies of the new book and hosted its official launch in our Forest School, creating a jungle camp experience for all pupils from Reception to Year 6.
In the camp, Benedict gave pupils a glimpse into his travels to the Amazon, Orinoco and New Guinea. He spoke about living in the jungle and how to sustain yourself when isolated. Pupils were able to see items from his survival kit and hear fascinating tales of his encounters with animals. They then moved along the stream to help construct a rope bridge, which they later traversed themselves. The pupils eagerly bombarded Benedict with questions about his travels, and this could easily have continued all day.
Benedict then delivered an assembly to all Pre-Prep and Lower Prep pupils, where he mesmerised them with images from his journeys around the world. He captured their imagination with photographs ranging from jungles to desert landscapes and the Arctic, as well as the many animals he encountered along the way. Pupils have rarely sat so quietly, and once again the questions flowed as their curiosity was ignited.
In the evening, Benedict delivered a lecture focusing on Ice Dogs, his Arctic expedition from Russia to Alaska across the Bering Strait. The audience was captivated, hanging on his every word as he described being hunted by polar bears and surviving on walrus meat alongside his ten dogs.
There was a definite buzz around the school this week, as pupils excitedly discussed exploration and adventure, having seen it brought vividly to life.” Mr Robinson (Director of Estates). You can view the video of the day and hear what our pupils though here.
