Matthew Barnsley
Director and Founder
I am an experienced exploration geologist, mountaineer and secondary school teacher; specialising in remote, desert, high altitude mountain, jungle and arctic environments. I have led archaeological and paleontological digs around the world: making ground-breaking new discoveries with experts and students, in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, Lima. I have trained teachers and principals, implemented new curriculums, and created outdoor education departments for schools working with some of the best educators and leaders in the business. My ability to bring out the best in people is well known and the experiences I design are incredible in providing personal challenges alongside the development of team skills. Every group that I teach leaves feeling closer and more able to meet their goals by using the unique skills of each member
Matthew Barnsley's links
Recent articles from Matthew Barnsley
WATCH: Pushing the comfort zone with Polaris Outdoor
In this series of videos, watch outdoor experts, Mat and Josh from Polaris Outdoor explore the incredible benefits of educational travel to remote and largely untouched landscapes.
Read article 60 minute read
WATCH: Part 2 - What I learned from taking students to The Arctic, with Matthew Barnsley
In this interview, Our Head of Community, Max Humpston is joined by Matthew Barnsley, Director and Founder of Polaris Outdoor, and Josh Smith, Bushcraft instructor and M.L., to discuss what they learned during their recent trip with Polaris Outdoor to The Arctic.
WATCH: How to create an impactful outdoor learning & co-curricular activities programme
How can you create impactful outdoor learning opportunities? What can be done to make outdoor learning easier, safer, and more accessible? (Sponsored by Polaris Outdoor)
Part 1 - Interview with outdoor educator and survival expert, Matthew Barnsley
In this interview, Matthew Barnsley, Director and Founder of Polaris Outdoor, shares his journey from geology student, to teacher, to outdoor learning expert
WATCH: Outdoor learning in an international school setting
How can you embed outdoor learning into your curriculum? What factors should you consider when setting up a successful and sustainable outdoor learning programme?
How to start an outdoor learning programme at your school
It can be hard to know where to start when creating an outdoor programme at your school. Mat Barnsley, director and founder of Polaris Outdoor, shares a few ideas and pointers to consider before you begin.
Read article 2 minute read
Case Study: Polaris Outdoor and International School of Cologne Germany
In 2016 Polaris Outdoor took the International School of Cologne Germany on an Arctic Adventure. One teacher shares his experience.
Case Study: Polaris Outdoor and Fair Ways School, England
In 2020 Polaris Outdoor took Fair Ways School pupils and teachers on an arctic expedition to Finland.
Case Study: Polaris and Hampton Court House School
In 2021 Polaris Outdoor took Hampton Court House School pupils and staff members on what can only be described as an expedition of a lifetime.
Matthew Barnsley's recent questions
Personal Development in Outdoor Education