Fake news? Not when you are an honest explorer.

When looking at being an ‘honest explorer’, we went back to the mountains to look for some real-life stories to be our inspiration. What we found were tales of treasure on Mont Blanc, questionable record breaking on Mount Aconcagua and Martina Navratilova’s tough journey up Kilimanjaro.

What we hadn’t expected were the natural links that we found to modern day issues. Who would have thought that fake guide companies on Mount Denali would lead to a lesson which incorporates the modern day phenomenon of fake news? ‘Take only memories; leave only footprints’ couldn’t be more timely and led to a lovely activity on how we can record memories without breaking the rules of national parks.

There are such a variety of ways in which ‘honesty’ can be interpreted and we have explored these in different year groups:

• Respecting other people’s property
• The importance of being honest about how we feel
• Not breaking rules which are there for a reason
• Being honest to ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses
• Being able to spot when other people are dishonest, particularly online
• Not sabotaging someone else’s chances of success in order to boost our own
• Lying about achievements
• Being a good citizen and handing in lost property
• Consequences of dishonesty

What a rich pot of ideas for you to dip into - honesty from every angle!

So next time someone takes a pencil without asking, remind them of Cliff the bear on the Carstensz Pyramid! Can’t get to the bottom of what has gone on at playtime? Jog their memory about the K2 controversy and its consequences for everyone involved.

Whilst it may not fix all your classroom honesty issues, you might at least make your children think about the wider implications of dishonesty and start some interesting conversations.