STUDENTS at The Costello School recently set sail for a week of hands-on learning and adventure around the Isle of Wight.

The school trip saw students from Years 9 and 10, accompanied by several teachers, aboard a 30-metre sailing ship, the SV Prolific.

Students and staff sailed around numerous ports and anchorages around the Isle of Wight, whilst enhancing their maritime skills and developing their teamwork.

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The trip was run by the Ocean Youth Trust South, a charity that uses its programme Adventure Under Sail as a personal development opportunity for young people.

During the week-long training programme, students participated in a variety of activities, including learning how to sail a 100-ton vessel, responding to emergency drills, and team-building exercises, as well as sailing around Portsmouth Harbour in a 1959 landing craft.

Students received a Royal Yachting Association Level 1 Sailing Qualification at the end of the week.

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Headteacher Kirsty Protheroe said: "We are looking to make the sailing expedition an annual school trip." 

Ms Protheroe added: “We are thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful experience to a group of our students.

“Learning can take place everywhere, and we are keen to allow our students to explore the world in which they live and take learning beyond our classrooms.

“I want to give a huge thank you to Andrew Page, our trip leader, whose dedication and tenacity made this adventure possible, as well as everyone at the Ocean Youth Trust South for all their fantastic work.”