schools

Paul enjoys delivering inspirational talks to students of all ages. Several of Paul’s interactive presentations for younger students have been run in association with the Royal Geographical Society in partnership with the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth.

Climb Your Own Everest
suggested age range: 14-18
ideal audience size: 30 to 150
In this illustrated presentation, Paul asks students to consider what they think their life might be like in 5, 10 or even 20 years’ time. Do they think that academic qualifications are all they need to succeed? Are they planning to 'wait and see' what comes their way? Do they have a vision of what they want to achieve? If so, how are they going to turn their dreams into reality? For Paul Deegan, his 15 year dream began in 1988 when, at the age of 18, he proposed and co-led a 47 strong expedition to clean-up Mount Everest. So began a quest to reach the top of the world. What lessons from Paul’s story can be applied by people striving to achieve their own ambitions? During his presentation, Paul shares some of the techniques that helped him, including taking the rocking chair test to decide what to do next, and a trick of the mind to remove the fear of failure. Paul also explains why the best way to fulfill an ambition is to forget all about it.

Can You Climb Mount Everest?
suggested age range: 7-13
ideal audience size: 15 to 100 (smaller numbers enables more interaction per pupil)
In this action-packed one hour workshop, students join an expedition to the world’s highest peak as members of a climbing team. Guided by Paul, they select what equipment to take, decide which would be the most appropriate route to climb, and work out how to deal with the oxygen-starved atmosphere on the mountain that rises almost nine kilometres into the sky. During the ascent, the climbers learn about the Sherpas, invent techniques to reduce the expedition’s environmental footprint, and discover the history of the mountain. This is a rare chance to see, feel and even smell what climbing Everest is like.

Read Paul's post-talk Q & A with students from Wroxham school on their blog.

The Sky’s The Limit – Or Is It?
a special presentation for commencements, speech days & assemblies
Based on his dynamic speeches at St James’ Palace to recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award, Paul galvanizes students, teachers and parents to realise their dreams in this high-octane address. The sobering reality is that after just a dozen Olympic Games, today’s high school students will be collecting their pensions: what personal achievements do they want to look back on in 50 years’ time, and how are they going to accomplish them?

“The talk was inspirational. Frank Watson told me that one of his boys said that the talk was ‘life-changing’. It was quite superb.” Tim Owen, Repton

“Paul Deegan taught my kids to climb Everest at the Do Lectures. How cool is that?” Claire Hieatt, Co-Founder, Howies

“Paul presented his informative, interactive Everest presentation to our students at the Royal Albert Hall. We found that Paul adapted very well to our diverse age range of students, who were very fond of Paul and enjoyed his presentation. At Cirque du Soleil we have added Paul to our list of contacts and look forward to working with Paul in the future.” Paul Champaign, Cirque du Soleil

“Hi Paul, It was great to receive your email. I shared it with my daughter as she is still enthralled with your explorations and your presentation at her school. You were, in fact, voted the class’ favorite component of their current curriculum.” From Karen Latham, the parent of a pupil at Southbank

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for your lecture today. Seriously inspiring stuff and delivered with great humour, modesty and professionalism. You will know from the applause what our students thought. There is no question that you have made a tremendous impression.” Struan Hellier, Shrewsbury

"You attended my daughter’s school in November. I wanted to say a big thank you. We both enjoyed your speech. My daughter went on a couple of weeks after your speech to apply to the Headteacher to present a speech. She was chosen. My daughter had to speak in front of 150 adults. I was so proud of her. She now knows she can believe in herself. I have been trying to teach her this. You helped her believe in herself. She now believes she can achieve anything." Email from a student’s parent at Wroxham school

"I wanted to write to say what a brilliant half day we had at the Royal Geographical Society. I and 25 Year 6’s came for an excellent workshop on planning an ascent of Mt Everest. Paul Deegan, who ran the briefing and assessment sessions, was superb. He was inspiring, informative and very entertaining. The children loved it and felt as though they had achieved something very special. He was very complimentary about their rather rudimentary planning which did their self-esteem the world of good, and really made them believe that they could achieve something like that in later life." Letter from teacher Tessa Willy to the Director of the Royal Geographical Society

"You went down very well and I have received many plaudits from staff in particular about you being a great choice of guest speaker!" Trevor Cartmel, Addington