Antarctic Classroom launched: First-of-its-kind sustainability expedition for teens

PRESS RELEASE — For Immediate Release

Sydney, Australia December 12, 2025

ESG Strategy, Terra Nova Expeditions and Ocean Youth Academy launch "The Antarctic Classroom" for students in 2026

ESG Strategy has today announced a new partnership with Terra Nova Expeditions and Ocean Youth Academy to deliver The Antarctic Classroom an immersive sustainability and leadership program taking a select cohort of secondary students to Antarctica in December 2026.

The program is built around a three-phase learning pathway: structured online preparation, an Antarctic expedition aboard Terra Nova's expedition research vessel RMS St Helena, and post-voyage mentoring to help students translate their experience into university and career opportunities.

Unlike traditional school trips, The Antarctic Classroom places students inside a real-world climate and science environment. Onboard, participants will work alongside polar professionals and scientists, contribute to live citizen-science research, and develop future-ready skills including leadership, communication and systems thinking.

Through the partnership with Ocean Youth Academy a registered Duke of Edinburgh International Award provider, students will gain access to preparatory learning modules and have the opportunity to formally align their participation to Duke of Ed requirements and IB-linked learning outcomes.

A select opportunity for schools and families

The December 2026 expedition is designed primarily for Year 9-11 students, with limited parent/guardian places available. Year 8 students may also participate when accompanied by an adult, supporting a family-based learning option for younger students with strong readiness and interest.

Places are intentionally limited due to the nature of the vessel and the mentoring model, with invitations being extended to a small group of aligned schools in Australia and internationally.

Quotes

Lee Stewart, CEO of ESG Strategy and Expedition Co-Leader, said:

"Antarctica is the most powerful classroom on Earth for understanding climate, systems change and leadership. This partnership allows students to learn with purpose, not only witnessing change firsthand, but contributing to science and returning home with a story and skillset that will shape their futures."

  Greg Carter, CEO of Terra Nova Expeditions, said:

"RMS St Helena is a historic vessel reborn for purposeful polar travel. Together with ESG Strategy and Ocean Youth Academy, we're creating a small-ship learning expedition that is immersive, responsible and deeply transformational for young people."

Amanda Hunter, Founder, CEO and Expedition Co-Leader, Ocean Youth Academy, said:

"We're proud to partner on a program that meets young people where they are curious, values-driven and ready for challenge and gives them a recognised Duke of Edinburgh pathway alongside high-impact Antarctic learning."

School information sessions

To support participating schools and families, The Antarctic Classroom team will host parent/student information evenings and Q&A sessions in February 2026, with expedition leaders available in Sydney from 9-20 February.

About ESG Strategy - www.esgstrategy.com.au

ESG Strategy is an Australian sustainability consultancy founded by Lee Stewart, a global sustainability leader and author with over 20 years' experience helping organisations and communities embed ESG into strategy, culture and outcomes.

About Terra Nova Expeditions - www.terranova-expeditions.com/en/antarctic-classroom

Terra Nova Expeditions is an Australian expedition operator focused on small-ship, IAATO-aligned Antarctic travel that combines polar exploration with education, science and responsible tourism. Its fleet includes the RMS St Helena, refurbished for modern Antarctic expeditions and equipped for onboard research.

About Ocean Youth Academy - www.oceanyouthacademy.org/

Ocean Youth Academy is an internationally recognised youth development organisation and registered Duke of Edinburgh International Award provider, partnering with programs that build leadership, resilience and global citizenship through experiential learning.

 Media enquiries

Lee Stewart

ESG Strategy | The Antarctic Classroom

Phone: 0410 559 625

Email: lee@esgstrategy.com.au

Program details: https://www.terranova-expeditions.com/en/antarctic-classroom

Antarctica Classroom Image Library:

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