Year 12 students had the incredible opportunity to hear from adventurer, author, and filmmaker Pip Stewart. A dynamic storyteller with a deep connection to the natural world, Pip’s visit was all about resilience – how to face challenges head-on, learn from them and use them as a catalyst for growth. Her engaging talk left the students inspired and ready to tackle their own challenges with courage and curiosity.
Pip’s journey to becoming a renowned adventurer began after she completed a History and Politics degree at Oxford. She then spent five years working as a journalist and news anchor in Asia, reporting for major networks like BBC, CNN and The Telegraph. This career gave her a front-row seat to global events, but it also sparked a longing for deeper stories and personal exploration, which led to her first major expedition: a year-long, 10,000-mile bicycle trek from Kuala Lumpur to the UK. Covering 26 countries along the way, this remarkable journey was a lesson in endurance and adaptability – two qualities she passionately shared with the students.
Environmental advocacy has been a consistent theme in Pip’s adventures. She spoke about her 3,000-mile Amazon journey, which highlighted the devastating impact of deforestation. Documented in the six-part TV series Transamazonica, Pip’s work emphasised not only the importance of protecting the environment but also the strength and resilience required to undertake such a challenging expedition. The students were captivated as she described the highs and lows of her adventures, including moments of doubt, physical exhaustion and the importance of relying on a supportive team.
Pip’s visit was a powerful reminder that resilience is a skill we can all develop, whether we are in the classroom or the Amazon jungle. Her stories of courage, determination and environmental commitment gave the students a fresh perspective on what it means to navigate life’s twists and turns.
As Year 12 continues to prepare for the challenges ahead, they will undoubtedly carry with them the wisdom Pip shared – whether they’re facing exams, exploring future careers, or embarking on their own adventures.