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 education, adventure 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 broadcasting, bring alive Darwin’s life and theories, to 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. 

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
  

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