Test the Water programme for IoW Year 6 Pupils

Empowering Island children to reach their potential

UKSA’s Test the Water programme offers a half-day water-based adventure FREE to all Year 6 school groups on the Isle of Wight. We aim to support all Island children to gain life skills such as communication and resilience, understand water safety, and develop confidence.

UKSA fundraises to ensure that every Year 6 class on the Isle of Wight has the opportunity to experience being on the water, free from the barrier of cost. Sailing is often viewed as an elitist sport and UKSA want to change this view locally, providing all young people with the opportunity to experience sailing and water sports, regardless of their background.

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“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.” – Caroline Sice, Head Teacher, Lanesend Primary School

“The children love it, its great fun. it so important for them to feel safe around the water. It’s Fantastic.” – Heather, Island Teacher

“Every cohort there is always a group of children who are anxious or worry about trying new things can be a real barrier but this is the perfect opportunity push themselves beyond their comfort zones.” – Ollie, Island Teacher

Fundraising to enable opportunities for all

UKSA offer the Test the Water programme to every year 6 child on the Island free of charge, meaning that every child can participate regardless of background or financial situation. This inspiring programme is funded entirely through the donations of individuals and local Island businesses.

We need to raise £52,500 to ensure that every Year 6 Island class is able to participate in ‘Test the Water’ each year. We are very grateful to the local support received from The Daisie Rich Trust, Cowes Classics week, our TTW Patron Grace Palmer and local Island business Wightfibre.

John Irvine, CEO of WightFibre, provider of full-fibre broadband across the Isle of Wight said:

“At Wightfibre we care about our Island community. Through our sponsorship of the Test the Water programme, we are happy to help UKSA deliver new and positive life experiences for many young Islanders who otherwise – despite living on an Island – would never get the opportunity to get in or on the water. UKSA does amazing things and at WightFibre, we are happy to do our little bit to help and ensure this fantastic initiative will continue for many generations to come.”

How can you help?

UKSA will continue to fundraise locally ensuring that no students miss out on invaluable outdoor learning, but we can only continue to change the lives of young people with your support. You can get involved and support our local cause by giving a donation or fundraising for UKSA.

A contribution of just £3.50 per month will enable a child to experience an adventure on the water.

Next steps

So, you loved your funded sailing session at UKSA, now what?

We are working hard to ensure free or subsidised follow-on opportunities are available for students, through our pathway programmes such as Polly’s Challenge, Fun Days and our Sea.Change Foundation Programme.

To find out more information on what other courses and activities are available, take a look at our Leisure pages.

“I visited UKSA in year 6 with the Test the water programme. It was a really nice way to get us on the water and a step in. After Test the Water I came back and did a week’s Dinghy course, and when I was old enough, I came back to UKSA and got a job as a Watersports Instructor. I’m now working towards becoming a Senior Instructor.” Jamie, Test the Water participant.

“The whole sailing experience was amazing, and it was great to learn new things. At the start I was very nervous because I’ve never been on a boat before, but it was really fun and can’t wait to do it again.”

2023 Test the Water participant

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