Rowing Experience

This is a four week initiative to give a cohort of children from Combe Down Primary School an experience of rowing on the river Avon.

Groups are transported by minibus to the Monkton boathouse in Saltford and given a rowing taster session each week on a Friday afternoon. 

Aims

The aim of this partnership is to build a close relationship between the two schools, sharing the resources of the boats and staff, and giving pupils the opportunity to access a sport that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to try out. 

Background

This initiative is the result of idea sharing between the two schools, and a discussion about how Monkton's resources could best be put to use to enrich the extra curricular provision being offered to the children. It began in September 2019 and is one of a growing number of emerging projects which will be led by both staff and pupils from both schools.

Resources

This programme requires the use of Monkton minibuses and boats as well as flotation equipment, trained staff members from Monkton to lead the sessions and a staff member from Combe Down Primary to accompany and supervise the visit.

It depends on the availability of the boathouses and the necessary risk assessments and insurance coverage to ensure that it can be done safely.

Impact

Quantitative impact: 55 pupils are given the opportunity to do a rowing taster session which would not otherwise be available to them.

Qualitative assessment will be captured in hearing the childrens' stories following the experience, and discovering what it is about the experience that has been of value to them

Anticipated outcomes: children benefit from an outdoor learning experience, children gain confidence on the water, children learn a new skill that may lead them to develop a future passion, fitness benefits of physical exercise, and a widening of experience.

Pupil Involvement

55 pupils from Combe Down Primary will be involved on a rolling programme over the four weeks. These pupils are year 5 age.

Frequency

This programme will run weekly, on Friday afternoons, for four weeks initially and, following an impact assessment, can be considered as a potential recurring option.