Test the Water Year 6 Sailing
Sailing for all Island year 6 School Children
The Test the Water programme offers all year 6 primary school children on the Isle of Wight, the chance to participate in a half-day FREE watersports session. The aim of this programme is to support all of our young people to gain water-confidence alongside introducing them to sailing.
About the programme
Our ‘Test the Water’ programme is run by UKSA and funded entirely by individual and company donations. It gives every Year 6 child on the Isle of Wight the opportunity to participate in a half-day sailing or watersports session.
Building confidence
As well as covering aspects of water safety (vital for children living on an island), these sessions are designed to develop confidence and key skills. These include communication, resilience, and team-work. Learners are pulled out of their comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment.
How is it funded?
The success of the programme is all thanks to individuals and business support. This academic year (2021/22) we want to raise £42,840 for all Year 6 children to attend.
Who’s it for?
The programme was designed to provide all Year 6 pupils on the Isle of Wight the opportunity to get on the water without the barrier of cost. Sailing is often viewed as an elitist sport and we are seeking to change the stigma locally, providing all youngsters with the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing and watersports, regardless of their background.
A community success
Since 2014, 6,000 Year 6 students have taken part in the Test the Water programme and this academic year (2020/21) 1,307 children will have the opportunity to take part in a half-day session from 41 Island Primary Schools.
Next steps
So you loved your free sailing session, now what?
We are working hard to ensure free or subsidised follow-on opportunities are available for interested students, through programmes such as Polly’s Challenge and Fun Days.
To find out more information on what’s available take a look at our Leisure pages here.
Teacher feedback
Caroline Sice, Head Teacher, Lanesend Primary School says..
“I see every day the impact of this (child poverty and deprivation) and how it can result in low confidence, low self- worth, low mood and low aspirations. Many of our children miss out on life’s opportunities and the experiences that many other children enjoy because of cost and mindset.”
“Our children’s experiences should not be limited by cost. It is our aim that every child experiences a range of opportunities offered to them from trips away, theatre visits, activities, sports and sailing here at UKSA. I know what a difference you are making by supporting the ‘Test the Water’ programme, I see every day the children develop in confidence and self-esteem to become more prepared for life’s aspirations.”
Our supporters
A huge thanks to the following supporters who have helped fund this programme:
- Aberdeen Standard Investments
- Red Funnel
- Esplanade
- Wightfibre
- The WightAid Foundation
- Chris and Victoria Preston
- Grace Palmer
- Daisie Rich Trust
- The Joan Braithwaite Sailing Trust Just Giving Fundraising
- Several anonymous individual donors