schools

“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 our 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


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

Climb Your Own Everest
suggested age range: 15-18
In this 60 minute 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? Paul believes that three of the most important ingredients for personal success lie dormant within all of us. In this forthright presentation, Paul reveals these three catalysts and explains how he utilised them to achieve several lifetime ambitions, including climbing the world’s highest mountain, touring the world as a travel writer, and authoring an award-winning book. “The talk was inspirational. Indeed Frank Watson told me that one of his boys said that the talk was ‘life-changing’. It was quite superb.” Tim Owen, Repton

Can You Climb Mount Everest?
suggested age range: 8-13
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. “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

The Sky’s The Limit – Or Is It?
a special presentation for speech days and 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? “What a star! Dudley Hewitt has been an Award Officer for 20 years and he said you were one of the best presenters! He really appreciated your time talking to the Gold Award Holders, and I was watching you being presented to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – I have never seen him talk to someone for so long! We look forward to welcoming you to St. James’ Palace again in the near future.” Chris Cook, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

10% of Paul's talks are delivered pro bono. Paul offsets carbon emissions from all his air flights.

"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

Email Paul if you would like more details about his talks and workshops, or to enquire about his availability to speak at your university or school.

"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

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