UKSA provides more than a school trip

We are building skills for life

“At UKSA we champion the importance of outdoor learning and define Skills for Life as being the six steps to success” says Charlie Fairclough, schools and groups co-ordinator. “We measure students’ perception of their communication, decision making, teamwork, self-belief, determination and resilience at the beginning of their residential visit, and again at the end of their stay at UKSA. “

Out of the 2047 schools surveyed who visited UKSA in the last year, the maritime charity saw a considerable improvement in all six areas following their stay. The data reported a 63% improvement in communication, 63% in decision making, 75% in participation and 75% in self-belief, 73% in determination and a 67% improvement in resilience.

“When we brought our year 5 group last year we saw so many positive impacts for individual children, small groups of children and for the whole group. As year 6 pupils now, they are more focused, have positive attitudes and are prepared to risk striving for the very best from themselves - a lot of this is down to the experiences they were able to have on their week at UKSA.

“We have seen a big increase in self-worth in these children. The trip also demonstrated that we have trust and belief in them and showed them that they can achieve beyond the limits that have been put on them, by themselves, their families and other individuals.”
Sally Hodgson, Head teacher Beacon View Primary School

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award at UKSA:

UKSA is an approved provider for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and has its own trained assessors on site. New for 2024 is its special offer for DofE weekend stays which are priced at just £150 for an all-inclusive trip from Friday to Sunday.

2024 dates available:
• March: 22-24 / 29-31
• April: 5-7 / 12-14 / 19-21 / 26-28
• May: 10-12 / 17-19 / 24-26
• June: 31-2 / 7-9 / 14-16 / 21-23 / 28-30
• July: 5-7 / 12-14 / 19-21 / 26-28
• Aug: 2-4 / 9-11 / 16-18 / 23-25 / 30-1

Base camp for groups:

Weekend dates are also available to groups who would like to use UKSA’s 4.5 acre waterfront site as a base camp to hike or cycle around the Isle of Wight. The maritime charity holds three-star ‘Visit England Activity Accommodation’ status and in addition to students and groups also welcomes visitors who simply want a base for exploring the island. “It’s a campus environment here, so one big family where everyone lives, eats and socialises together, sharing a common passion for the water” says Charlie.

On-site facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, gym, laundry and a canteen. Prices from £80 for a Friday to Sunday stay.

Making sailing available to all children:

“We are delighted to share our news that we have just secured funding for our Sea.Change Foundation programme for 2024” beams Charlie “which means that we can support every child that needs it with a contribution towards our course fees.”

“As a charity that transforms the lives of young people, this inspiring five-day programme is for 14- to 17-year-olds who enjoy adventure and being in the great outdoors” Charlie explains. “It introduces young people to a range of fun activities including paddle-boarding and dinghy sailing, power boating and yachting. Suitable for complete beginners and for those who have already dipped their toe into the water, our experienced and friendly instructors are here to support trainees every step of the way.”

Students also learn about training and the different pathways into working in the maritime industry or in watersports. This year UKSA has seen more than 38% of its NCFE Further Education intake join having completed a Sea.Change programme. Most of these students started their journey at UKSA with a school trip.

Head of social mobility at Tile Cross Academy Neil McIntosh said:
“We’ve been doing trips for many years, but this was the first time that not only could the children really try watersports but also be inspired by the prospect of a career in maritime. The Sea.Change Foundation programme is unique in its offering of that careers element and many children came back enthused to be superyacht skippers or onboard chefs.”

Limited availability for multi-activity residential trips in 2024:

UKSA are now taking bookings for 2025 and have some availability for next year’s multi-activity residential trips on the following dates:

3-day/2-night multi-activity residential trips:
• June: 3-5 / 26-28
• July: 15-17

4-day/3-night multi-activity residential trips:
• June: 3-6

5-day/4-night multi-activity residential trips:
• March: 18-22 / 25-29
• April: 22-26 / 29-3
• May: 6-10 / 27-31
• July: 8-12 / 15-19 / 22-26