Two Kingsway High School learners have been shortlisted to the top 100 Matrics in Antarctica. Matrics in Antarctica is the brain child of pioneering explorer, Riaan Manser. The competition is open to all matric students in South Africa, but only five fortunate ones will be chosen to go on an educational adventure of a lifetime to the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole. Riaan and a group of distinguished professors from Stellenbosch University, lead by Professor Jonathan Jansen, will accompany them. Entrants did not have to be a top 10 academic student or someone who has taken maths and science. Duncan Leslie and Talia Parus submitted their entries in November and last week heard the good news they had made it into the top 100. The top five winners will be announced in January and will take off to Antarctica later that month on an-all expenses adventure of a lifetime, with all their gear paid for as well. The SUN spoke to Duncan about the adventure of a lifetime. “I saw it on social media and we had to submit our personal details. It is a one-week programme where we will camp, hike and build igloos.” The team will fly to the ALCI Airbase, Novolazarevskaya and stay at the Oasis Guesthouse 15km away. The learners will do experiments and go on an overnight adventure camp. READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti engineer touches down from Antarctica adventure “I thought it would be a good experience and since it’s about the environment, a good idea to enter. I’m not going to university next year and I don’t know what career I want to pursue. I’m doing a lifeguard and first aid courses next year. I like staying active and the outdoors. And I like the cold.” With mid-Summer temperatures on the Antarctica peninsula reaching less than 15 degrees and 0 on the East Antarctic coast, he will have to. The top 100 had to send in a video, answering questions from the team, some background on themselves and their family, and motivating why they stand out from the rest. The pair is anxiously waiting until 18 December to hear if they have made it to the top 50. “I’m nervous about going, but quite excited to hear if I have advanced. I think my chances are good. I think an adventure like this could open up possibilities for my future. I’m keen to do something involving the environment.” READ ALSO: Kingsway High School teacher retires
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