This Whitsun term, our Year 6 boys took to the water for an unforgettable experience: learning how to sail. For many, it was their first time in charge of a boat — and it was a challenge they embraced with energy, enthusiasm, and a growing sense of independence.
Over the course of the programme, the boys were introduced to the basics of sailing, from understanding how to steer and trim the sails, to working as a team to keep the boat steady and moving in the right direction. With every gust of wind and change of tide, they had to think on their feet, communicate clearly, and stay calm under pressure.
But the benefits of sailing go far beyond learning how to handle a boat. Out on the water, the boys have developed important life skills that will serve them well in school and beyond. Sailing taught them resilience — how to keep going when things get tough, and how to bounce back after setbacks. It encouraged teamwork, as every boat relies on good communication and cooperation. And it built confidence, giving each boy the chance to take responsibility and make decisions in real time.
They also learned the value of patience, focus, and respect — both for their instructors and for the natural environment they were learning in. Through hands-on experience, they discovered that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom — it can happen with the wind in your sail and the sun, or sometimes rain, on your face.
As the boys return to their routines, they bring with them not just stories of adventure, but a stronger sense of who they are and what they can achieve. Sailing has given them more than just a new skill — it has helped them grow as individuals, ready to take on new challenges with confidence and courage.
See more photos of the boys sailing here.