Daring to Explore: Insights From World-Renowned Adventurer Levison Wood

On Monday 15th July we welcomed Levison Wood to Clyst Vale to give an inspirational talk and question and answer session to a group of invited students.

Below is an account of the visit, written by a Year 8 student:

As a student at Clyst Vale, I thoroughly enjoyed explorer and writer Levison Wood’s talk on Monday. Year 8 have read extracts of Levison’s writing in our Global Citizens topic this term. The CEO of the Ulysses Trust Charity, Polly Marsh, introduced the event and told us that going on expeditions can develop skills outside of the classroom that are essential in adult life. Levison was there to speak to school students to inspire them and inform people on what challenge and adventure can teach us.  He talked about the adventures he has experienced throughout his career, such as walking the length of the Nile, and exploring Central America (his trip into a cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula was a feature of our learning this term).  

He advised that life is a lesson, and you learn along the way with your experiences. He talked about his dangerous travels and how although bad things can happen, something positive might come out of it. When Levison was about to go on a journey through Central America, he spent a lot of his savings on a camera. This camera was stolen, but Levison met Alberto, who joined him on his trip and taught him how to take photos. At the end of his talk, there was a Q&A and Levison answered a question we asked about the dangers of his expeditions. He has encountered lions, hippos, and snakes, but has overcome these challenges.  

We really enjoyed the opportunity to learn about what being an explorer means to him and to consider his lessons for life! 

By Rose (Y8)