Children in South Hams in Devon are taking part in sailing lessons through their academies as part of an exciting new initiative to get young people engaged in the sport.
Pupils at All Saints Thurlestone C of E Academy, West Alvington C of E Academy and Charleton C of E Academy, which are all members of the Learning Academy Partnership and work closely together as part of the Trust’s South Hams hub, are taking part in a course of six lessons over six weeks.
During this period, they will learn how to sail across the wind, turn around and return. Sessions are already underway, and pupils have been putting their thinking skills to the test as they explored speed control and used creativity and problem-solving skills to sail upwind.
Teachers have commended the wide range of skills pupils are learning and how it links to lots of the work they are doing in the classroom. From mathematical calculations and learning about the elements, to physical exercise using maps, it’s a chance to practically apply lots of what they’ve been learning. Most importantly of all, pupils are learning how to work together as teams in order to succeed.
The lessons are being delivered free of charge by Salcombe Dinghy Sailing through a new initiative called The Wind Project, which is focused on offering sailing opportunities to the local community. Over the course of the six weeks, pupils will sail through various parts of the region, including Southpool Creek and Widegates.
All of the sessions have been a real triumph so far, with pupils excited to share with their teachers and parents what they have learnt. Many are hoping to carry on sailing in the future, so watch this space for some Team GB Olympians in the making.
The Learning Academy Partnership provides a first-class education to its pupils across the South West, and has done so since it was founded eight years ago. The Trust is rated the best academy Trust in the country for the performance of disadvantaged children and in the Top 10 Trusts nationally for the progress that children make.
Katie Coombe, Head of Academy at West Alvington C of E Academy and Charleton C of E Academy said:
“This is an absolutely amazing opportunity for our pupils, and one that I know they’ll get so much out of. Not only is it a great chance to learn more about the world around them and develop their skills, it’s also a time to create memories with their classmates that they’ll never forget.”
Lesa Garside, Executive Head at All Saints Thurlestone C of E Academy, West Alvington C of E Academy and Charleton C of E Academy said:
“We’ve already received great feedback from our pupils about how much they’re enjoying their sailing lessons, so I’m looking forward to seeing how they grow and develop over this term.
“As a Trust, we’re really keen to ensure pupils get to explore exciting opportunities during their time in our academies and find their own passions and hobbies. Devon is a real hotspot for sailing and so it’s great our pupils are having a chance to participate in that.”
