Greenbank Primary School names fleet of sailing boats after six year six pupils
Greenbank Primary School has surprised six of its leaving year six pupils by naming a new fleet of sailing boats after them.
After securing some funding, and contributions from school, it has enabled staff to buy a fleet of six Qube sailing boats, membership at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club as well as other items of sailing kit.
Greenbank Primary School has been able to add sailing to one of the many outdoor activities offered to its pupils with the support of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) North West Regional Development officer, Adam McGovern.
Along with Adam and other staff members, two of which are sailing instructors, the school is now on its way to providing a self-sustainable sailing programme.
Children can learn to sail from year four upwards, gaining their RYA stages 1-3 sailing certificates.
Haleema, with the boat named after her
This year, staff decided to surprise six of their sailors by naming the new boats after each of them – Afsana, Amaya, Maryam, Haleema, Romaysa and Subhan – as their legacy to Greenbank, and to reward them for their hard work and commitment throughout the three years of sailing.
The children and invited parents/carers were taken to Hollingworth Lake earlier this month for a day of sailing with Adam and the outdoor team, where the children’s own boats were unveiled.
The children were all excited when at the unveiling of their boats and being given the opportunity to take them out for a sail, as were the parents.
Haleema, one of the sailors, said: “It has been really good and has given me a skill I can keep forever.
“It is nice seeing everyone working together, smiling and having fun and just being on the water. The outdoor team and Adam have been really supportive by taking us and allowing us to go and sail.”
Samantha McGovern, a staff member at Greenbank, said: “They have been amazing and have shown a great talent for the sport. It was a perfect day for sailing: the children recapped on their previous sailing skills and played games as a nice end to their sailing at Greenbank, as they move on to their new high schools.
“All in all, it was a great success, with special thanks to Adam for all his support and giving us the vision and ability to add sailing to our list.”
She added: “We wish our year six sailors well for the future and would hope they continue to progress their sailing skills, and we look forward to the many more Greenbank children that will begin the same journey.”
Story Rochdale Online
