A GROUP of students took to the seas aboard Weymouth's Tall Ship Pelican.

The group of 15 Year 10 Wey Valley School students joined students from other schools and all climbed aboard the ship and headed to Swanage. 

They were all part of the Raising Aspirations mentoring programme. 

Aboard the ship students had to get involved in all aspects of life at sea including sail handling, watch keeping, navigation, ship cleaning, maintenance and food preparation. 

They also got some hands on sailing experience including pulling on ropes, taking the helm and climbing the rigging to release the sails. 

Anne Hines, progress mentor at Wey Valley, said: “The aim of the trip was to encourage personal development in terms of building confidence and developing interpersonal skills through working as a team. 

“All of the students who participated really enjoyed the trip and were excited to tell me about the hands on sailing experience that they had.”

The trip was funded by the Dorset Community Foundation, a local charitable foundation raising funds for those most in need.

It works in partnership with Wey Valley to improve communication skills and confidence, and support career or further education aspirations in young people from disadvantaged areas. 

Marcus Heggie, a year 10 student, said: “It was a fun weekend. I particularly enjoyed climbing the rigging and meeting the crew. I learnt the importance of working as a team and enjoyed all aspects of the sailing experience.” 

Fellow pupil, Holly Anderson, said: “It was a fantastic experience and so much better than I expected. I particularly enjoyed meeting the crew and learning about life on board the ship. The highlight for me was climbing the rigging.” 

The ship’s crew were impressed with the pupils. 
TS Pelican skipper Captain Paul Compton said: “It was a pleasure to host Wey Valley students on board T.S Pelican over the weekend.

"They were well behaved and enthusiastic and a credit to their themselves and the school. I would be very happy to sail with them again.” 

Acting principal at Wey Valley, Sara Adams spoke of the trip’s benefits. 

She said: “Our students have returned to school full of energy following a fantastic weekend, inspired by their experience on the Tall Ship Pelican. The team working skills they have applied on the ship will put them in good stead for their learning at school.” 

For more details on the Raising Aspiration mentoring programme go to www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/dorset-fund/education-fund-and-bursary