Arundel youngsters warm to tales of the Antarctic

Marine biologist and real-life Indiana Jones, Dr Simon Morley, came dressed in special thermal clothing, designed to withstand bone-chilling temperatures of minus 30C, to talk to the children at the Arundel CE Primary School about his experiences in one of the world’s harshest environments.

Dr Morley, who has been to the region about 10 times to research the effects climate change is having on wildlife in the southernmost continent, gave a presentation about his work to more than 100 children.

He described meeting penguins, big and small, as well as diving in seawater infested with killer whales, sea lions and a variety of other creatures.

The young audience were mesmerised by Dr Morley’s presentation, with many crying out in astonishment as they were shown examples of the creepy creatures lurking in the freezing seas around the Antarctic, from enormous sea spiders to gigantic relatives of the humble woodlouse.

Some even had the chance to try on Dr Morley’s thermal coat, boats, gloves and hat during the talk.

Pupils then had the opportunity to question the scientist about his time in the Antarctic.

Dr Morley, who is a senior scientist for the British Antarctic Survey, said: “The reaction of all the children was excellent.

“The standard of questions I was asked was brilliant.

“My aim is to inspire the children to go out there and follow their passion, wherever it might lead them, and to try to be the best that they can be.”

The talk was set up by Arundel woman, Jane Marie, founder of the company Exciting Lives, based in Tarrant Street.

The business is responsible for bringing more than 35 inspirational speakers, including former Olympian Sally Gunnell, to schools across West Sussex, to help assist certain topics in the national curriculum.

Jane said: “Anything is possible.

“We want to see if we can inspire some of the children here to get into science.”

The school’s head teacher, Andrew Simpson, said: “Simon has been fantastic in helping to bring the curriculum to life.

“His talk has helped to develop the idea of adaptation, which is a key concept, especially in year six.”

Andrew added: “He was just like Indiana Jones.”