Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2018 | Page 127

Education
Preparing for life on the waves
Last year was a watershed
year in more ways than
one for Cowes-based
maritime training charity
UKSA.
The charity, which opens a world
of maritime training to young
people, not only celebrated its
30th anniversary and reached its
milestone 150,000th student -
but also launched an ambitious
new fundraising campaign to
improve the site’s accommodation
and facilities, helping even more
youngsters develop new skills and
improve their self-esteem.
Among the huge range of
opportunities on offer to 16-25
year-olds, UKSA offers everything
from Professional Yacht
Cadetships, Watersport Instructor
training and Superyacht training
(for both hospitality and crew) to
a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport
and Physical Activities.
In fact, many of UKSA’s courses
allow students to live the dream,
travel the world and earn money
whilst they’re at it!
One example is current student
Poppy Douglas – who although
still only halfway through her
Professional Yacht Cadetship,
has already managed to get work
experience on a 37m sailing yacht
in the Mediterranean, and a 126m
motor yacht in Indonesia.
“Hundreds of people flood to the
Mediterranean every year, and the
fight for a job is becoming tougher
and tougher” she said.
“I couldn’t have done any of this
without my training at UKSA, and I
already can’t wait to return for the
next phase of my course.”
Find UKSA on Artic Road, Cowes,
PO31 7PQ or call 01983 203038.
Nature & nuture at Ryde School
Fiveways provides the Nursery
and Pre-Prep start to Ryde School.
Children from the age of 2 1/2
are immersed in a loving and
enriching environment where
nature and nurture are combined
to ensure the very best start for
progression into the Junior and
Senior Schools at Ryde.
Visits to local beaches,
woodlands and to the School’s
own Forest School allow pupils the
opportunity to learn about nature,
recognise common plants and
insects, have a go at cutting wood
with saws, learn how to safely light
fires whilst growing in confidence
and enjoying teamwork.
The next Open Morning is a
‘Come and Play’ event at Fiveways
on Saturday 12 May, 10.30am
to 12.30pm. Join us for this free
activity morning when you and
your child can experience Fiveways
in a relaxed environment with a
complimentary family lunch in the
dining hall.
Booking is essential for this free
activity morning. Contact Ryde
School on 01983 617970 or visit
www.rydeschool.org.uk
www.visitilife.com
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