Roseberry Rule the Waves
Billingham school children have been learning the skills of sailing over the past 6 weeks at Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre.
A group of 26, Year 6 pupils from Roseberry Primary School in Billingham have been honing their nautical skills every Thursday on the River Tees. All the children have been working towards their Royal Yachting Association Stage 1 qualification
Senior Instructor Micky Early said “The pupils from Roseberry have been a pleasure to teach and they have all worked hard to achieve their stage 1 award, which demonstrates they have achieved skills in how to rig a small sailing dinghy, sail across the wind and even practice what to do in the event of a capsize. These skills will enable youngsters to confidently take to the water and sail.”
Maggie Fearnley, Head teacher at Roseberry Primary School said” It has been a wonderful learning experience for the Year 6 children who have taken part. Non of the children had been sailing before; many of them were scared but by the end of the six weeks they had gained confidence and a level of proficiency and some may even become sailing stars in the future.”
The children have been able to attend the sessions at Castlegate Quay after receiving funding from the disadvantage fund. Karen Orley, Extended Schools Coordinator for Billingham said “The funding from the Disadvantage Subsidy Scheme enables children to access innovative activities and new experiences which previously were unavailable to them. Judging from the feedback from the children of Roseberry School sailing has definitely proved to be a hit”
To finish their school year in style all 52 pupils in Year 6 are taking part in a team building session this week to celebrate the end of term
For further information on Watersports contact Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre on (01642) 528689 or visit www.teesactive.co.uk