A group of Didcot students have learned a new love of sailing.

Twelve pupils from Aureus School took part in a six-week sailing programme at Burghfield Lakes in Berkshire, organised in association with the Andrew Simpson Centre.

Students in Years 7 to 10 learned the basics of sailing through weekly two-hour sessions, helping them gain confidence both on and off the water.

Ali Mountain, special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) at Aureus School and organiser of the programme, said: “It’s a fabulous trip with well-trained instructors, and all the equipment needed is provided, including wetsuits, lifejackets, and helmets.

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“During each sailing session, the students are taught about the boat, where they are broken up into small groups of around three children and shown the key parts and how it works, before they get onto the water.”

The programme included one-to-one instruction as well as group activities, allowing students to progress from guided sailing to working together in pairs.

Ms Mountain said: “Each child is then taken out onto the water, one-to-one, with a sailing instructor to give them a chance to experience sailing and get a feel for what they need to do.

“As the children gain in confidence, they go out onto the water in pairs and are taught how to sail, including the positioning of the sail and what to do with the rudder, working as a team, and how to manage when the wind changes direction, et cetera.”

She believes the impact of the course goes far beyond learning a new sport.

She said: “The students learn so much about teamwork, the importance of clear communication, and how to problem solve in a difficult situation.

“The sailing experience also develops resilience and a growth mindset.

“A couple of our students, before the trip, were fearful of water and claimed that they would never get in a boat – by the end of the six weeks, they were out on the water, sailing independently, and feeling exhilarated by their achievement, where they recognise that a ‘can do’ attitude can create positive results.”

Ms Mountain also highlighted the importance of making such opportunities accessible to all students.

She said: “Many of the children that we take on these trips do not have these opportunities outside of school – particularly sailing, as it is normally considered a sport for families who are affluent.

“It is part-funded by the Andrew Simpson charity, which means that it is more affordable for our students, and they are able to access this exciting opportunity.