A new SLA has been signed by the Guernsey Sailing Trust (GST) and Education Services ensuring school children of the Bailiwick will continue to have the chance to learn and enjoy the wonderful sport of sailing and to gain confidence exploring local waters.
The agreement sets out how the Trust will continue to give young people an experience of the sea by providing high quality water based activities including sailing, windsurfing and power-boating. It is important to both the GST and the States of Guernsey that these activities are inclusive and accessible to everybody.
This agreement is underpinned by the mutual commitment of both parties to work together for the benefit of the young people of the Bailiwick by ensuring safe, progressive and rewarding experiences, which are quality ensured by the GST’s Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accreditation.
Alun Williams Lifelong Learning Manager said: “The SLA is a great way for third sector organisations, such as the Guernsey Sailing Trust, to deliver key parts of our children’s education; in this case outdoor learning. Sailing plays an important role in helping young people be active while supporting the wider goals of the curriculum. We are currently developing a new curriculum which will provide young people with a range of opportunities to enjoy experiences which are challenging, and develops key life skills. High quality water-based activities do just that. We are very pleased to have developed this first SLA with the Trust and will be looking to use it as a model for other charity organisations that support our education system.”
The Sailing Trust leads the way with its high quality RYA training. Formed as a non-profit charity in 1988, the Trust has gone from strength to strength and currently has a fleet of over 50 dinghies and windsurfers. It is well equipped to deliver tuition to children from 5 years upwards. Principal Richard Klein said: “We have worked with Education for many years delivering sailing tuition for local schools. The SLA is a natural progression and ensures we have clear goals and a clear role in the delivery of the curriculum.”
