To register your interest being a part of the Philippines Expedition Team, please fill in this online form.

Mr Lawton, one of our Science teachers is offering students the opportunity of a lifetime. He is planning a working expedition in 2014 to the stunning Philippine islands to study lifestyles, culture, conservation and the coral reef erosion that is taking place in one of the most diverse landscapes of the world.

This will be a return visit for Mr Lawton who led a similar expedition in 2004 with Durham University students. "It was a hugely successful trip," he said, "and one that has had a lasting impact on those involved.

Many of the DU students found that prospective employers showed great interest in the expedition and looked favourably upon their participation at interviews. I would like to give our students the same advantages."

The expedition will include Scuba diving with full training prior to departure and on arrival, and a programme of exciting organised activities such as spending the day with a local fisherman to see first hand how important the reef is to every day life and visiting local schools. This means that students will meet local residents and fully experience the culture of the islands too.

The team will examine the coral reefs of Cebu and Bohol in the Philippines, reefs which have both suffered due to over fishing and damage caused by nets and other destructive fishing methods. They will conduct surveys to report on the condition of the reefs and work with local communities to create marine sanctuaries that will assist conservation.

It would be fair to assume that the trip is aimed at those studying geography, conservation or sciences, but you couldn't be more wrong. The three week long trip will offer an opportunity for a diverse range of interests and skills. For example, Mr Lawton hopes to document the entire expedition in a number of ways, including making a documentary film, which would offer opportunities for film makers, journalists and presenters. He also intends to gather official data for analysis, which would give practical project experience to aspiring mathematicians, marine biologists and scientists.

There is an opportunity for students with ICT skills to take responsibility for an "expedition blog' and live links back to the UK and the team could certainly benefit from members with an interest in photography as a career, not to mention those interested in travel and tourism and business studies. These are by no means exhaustive suggestions; Mr Lawton stresses that he is willing to consider any student who feels that they have something valuable to give.

Applications to join the expedition team will be open to students who are currently in Years 10, 11 and 12 and students should initially contact Mr Lawton for an informal discussion and register their interest in the trip without obligation. As a priority, he would like to hear from students who are interested in trying Scuba diving early in the new year. Durham University Sub Aqua Club will be offering training taster sessions at Durham Freeman's Quay so that students can experience diving in a controlled environment for approximately £20.00.

Mr Lawton continued: "Durham University students from the Diving Club will help to train and mentor our students and some of them will hopefully accompany us on the trip too. I am really pleased to have this link; it will benefit our students in so many ways."

To register your interest being a part of the Philippines Expedition Team, please fill in this online form.

Philippines Expedition