The Polar Academy identifies ‘invisible’ 14-17 years old secondary school children, crushed by a lack of self-esteem and gives them the chance to redefine their physical and mental limits. Participants are put through a rigorous ten-month training programme in Scotland before being immersed in the wilds of Greenland, navigating through some of the world’s remotest terrain for ten days. Their confidence soars with every step. On their return to Scotland, each pupil shares their experiences with their peer groups, speaking to more than 3,000 school children in their region. They are living, breathing proof that dreams are attainable and that ordinary pupils can achieve the truly extraordinary. The Polar Academy, a Scottish registered charity (SC044605) is the brainchild of, and is run and managed by, Craig Mathieson, Explorer In Residence, Royal Scottish Geographical Society.