Be inspired by the history of science, evolution and locations of outstanding natural beauty

98.67
% Shared DNA between humans and gorillas
4.54
Billion years old - the approximate age of the earth

OBJECTIVES

  • To inform participants about Darwin’s theory of evolution and its relevance to our lives today in scientific, social and business terms
  • To inspire participants to take an active interest in the sciences, our environment and conservation
  • To provide a grounding in the history of the natural sciences as well as the social and economic context of Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries

 

SCOPE

One could argue that no individual has had a greater impact on mankind than Charles Darwin.  His revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection turned the world on its head.  It is the foundation for much of modern natural science and for much social development and business theory.

The Darwin programme takes participants to areas of outstanding natural beauty in the UK and the Galapagos Islands, as well as to some of Britain’s most famous institutions.  It inspires participants to take an active interest in the sciences and environment, and provides a grounding in the history of science, as well as the socio-economic context of Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries.  It is a wonderful experience combining valuable educationadventure and fun.

A three-week programme in England, Wales and Ecuador provides a wide-ranging review of Charles Darwin’s life and work.  It takes you on a fascinating journey from the wild countryside of Shropshire and North Wales through to the remote Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean and back to the major institutions of Cambridge and London.  The programme consists of the following:

  • Renowned experts and leading figures in science and broadcastingbring alive Darwin’s life and theoriesto ensure that you understand the man, his work and the aspects of his character which enabled success 
  • The programme starts at Darwin’s childhood home in Shrewsbury and then continues in North Wales. Walking in Darwin’s footsteps, you undertake a geology field trip and experience the same landscape and discoveries which provided the foundation for his thinking 
  • The programme continues in Cambridge and London for an exclusive course of study at museums and research institutions, visiting the locations which were critical in Darwin’s life 
  • Your journey continues on the Jurassic Coast in southern England, a world heritage site, to explore the importance of fossils in evolutionary theory and fossil hunt! 
  • After two weeks in the UK you fly to Ecuador and on to the Galapagos Islands to experience first-hand the environment and animals which exerted such a profound impact on Darwin and enabled him to develop his theories 
  • Ample time is available to explore the islands and the surrounding marine life by boat, snorkelling, kayak and on foot

For those with limited time, the Darwin programme can be run in two separate parts, one of which is UK-based and the other being in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.  These can be run separately or as a single programme.  For those with time to extend their stay in Ecuador, we include three days in a research station in the cloud forest, exploring the diverse eco-systems and animals in order to gain a deeper understanding of evolution and the conservation challenges of today. 

KEY LEARNINGS

Subject matter expertise

Subject matter
expertise

  • Darwin’s theories, particularly his theory of evolution by natural selection, and his impact on society both in scientific and social terms 
  • The basics of geology and its development as a science 
  • The history of the development of science 
  • The history of 19th century Britain 
  • Conservation and the protection of our environment 
Leadership characteristics

leadership
characteristics

  • Thought leadership and leadership more broadly 
  • Influencing and communication skills
  • Survival of the Fittest – the relevance of Darwin to leadership and business management
  • Determination – facing challenges in pursuing personal ideas and achieving one’s objectives
Learning new life-skills

life
skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration – lessons from Darwin’s research and publication of his theories
  • Creativity, logic and powers of observation 
  • Snorkelling and kayaking 
  • A Geologist Toolkit – Using a compass clinometer

Few lives of great men offer so much interest – and so many mysteries – as the life of Charles Darwin, the greatest figure of nineteenth-century science, whose ideas are still inspiring discoveries and controversies more than a hundred years after his death

Janet Browne

In the long history of humankind (and animal kind too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.

Charles Darwin

No advance has so upended our worldview since the realisation that the world was not flat

Archie Bland

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life

Charles Darwin

Learning Approach & Key Specialists

  • Learning by experiencing first-hand the locations and objects of key importance in Darwin’s life in the company of leading experts
  • Learning through direct, active experience – geology field trips to North Wales, the Jurassic Coast and the Galapagos
  • Daily workbook to guide each participant on the subjects covered and the key learnings
  • PhD level native Chinese interpreters who are specialists in each field of study

What our clients think…

A life-changing experience.

This programme really ignited a great interest in science in both of my children. It turned their thinking about the world into a voyage of fascinating discoveries, from theoretical and academic into practical and of incredible value to our lives.

It highlighted how much we have to learn about our world, how little we really know, and the opportunities open to us to develop our understanding of our planet.

The programme gave us a great understanding of Darwin’s relevance today and the degree to which scientific research is still driven by his work.

Everyone should go on this programme to learn the lessons which help us thrive in our personal and business lives - the survival of the fittest indeed.

We were particularly impacted by the challenges of conservation which we saw first-hand in our visits to the Galapagos – brilliant.

Programme bookings

If you are looking to book to attend this learning programme, please first check the schedule and then complete the short form to send us a booking enquiry.

Schedule

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