Year 9 and 10 students from The Sky Academy have been attending All Aboard Watersports Centre in Bristol every Monday as part of an exciting sailing programme designed to build confidence, resilience and new skills.
Students are working towards achieving a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Level 1 Dinghy qualification before progressing on to Level 2.
The RYA dinghy qualification is an internationally recognised certification that teaches participants how to sail small boats safely and competently.
The programme is structured through progressive levels, covering everything from basic sailing techniques and manoeuvres to more advanced skills such as racing and seamanship.
The students taking part have varying levels of water confidence, but all have demonstrated exceptionally high levels of determination and resilience. Throughout the programme they have embraced the challenge of sailing solo in Bristol’s docks, often in challenging weather conditions.
The project has been a great success and will continue to run into the autumn term, giving students further opportunities to develop their sailing skills and work towards additional qualifications.
Gaby Long, Principal of The Sky Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for the enthusiasm, courage and resilience they have shown throughout this programme.
“Learning to sail develops far more than practical skills on the water; it builds confidence, independence, teamwork and perseverance.
“Seeing our young people challenge themselves in all weather conditions and achieve nationally recognised qualifications has been inspiring, and we look forward to continuing the project in the autumn term.”
