RYA used as case study in developing Zest for Learning

A recently released tome, ‘Zest for Learning: developing curious learners who relish real-world challenges’, written by Prof Bill Lucas and Dr Ellen Spencer, features the RYA as a case study.

The book explores the ways in which teachers can help their pupils to find their passions, develop independence and challenge themselves to become more expansive learners. The RYA is shown as an example of how organisations outside of schools can develop these essential skills in young people.

Co-author and Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning at the University of Winchester, Professor Bill Lucas, says: “I love RYA’s approach to learning to sail, seeing the process as an opportunity for young people to develop their character and learn about themselves at the same time as enjoying being on the water.

RYA Director of Sport Development, Alistair Dickson, and RYA Coaching Development Manager, Dave Mellor, spoke about what ‘Zest for Learning’ means at the book’s launch and how they develop it within young sailors, windsurfers, instructors and coaches. They described how RYA programmes have been designed to encourage these capabilities and also how they relate to everyday life, helping to setup young sailors for a successful life outside of sailing.

They say that being used as a case study is a result from years of coach, instructor and learning development across the organisation.

The RYA collaborated with Professor Bill Lucas to re-launch the RYA OnBoard programme in 2017, drawing on research which emphasised the broader benefits of sailing for youngsters.

‘Zest for Learning: Developing curious learners who relish real-world challenges’ is suitable for headteachers, teachers and youth leaders, in either primary or secondary settings.