Thriftwood School made the most of their Educational Visit Grant of £240 and headed out to Fellowship Afloat, a sailing haven in Tollesbury. The Christian charity is based on a converted light vessel moored on the coast, making it an ideal activity venue for youth organisations and keen sailors to have fun and gain qualifications.

24 pupils went on the trip and it made a real difference to the young people involved. Class teacher Catherine Butler said: “They were able to take part in an adventurous activity in a safe environment. They had to work as part of a team and listen to instructions as well as working with people that they did not know.”

Staff were trying to get the students used to working with other young people to develop new communications skills and grow in confidence. This was integral because they were in the process of transitioning to college which was on a different site to the school they were currently attending. They had to communicate and coordinate with others on the boat and also develop tolerance when waiting their turn.

The pupils really appreciated the natural beauty of the environment. Many of them do not leave their homes apart from coming to school, so for them to experience a day out in a different location was a big step. They were given a sense of responsibility as they had to organise their own possessions and take responsibility for them, helping them develop further skills.

One student said: “I loved being on the water, it made me feel calm.”

Want to find out if you can get an Educational Visit Grant for your youth organisation? Visit here.

(Please note uniformed and umbrella groups are not eligible for this grant)

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