This summer, the Trust organised two Activity Days at Polkerris Beach, part-funded by Cornwall Community Foundation and by you, our generous donors.
Cornwall Community Foundation helps people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by awarding small grants to grassroots organisations who are working to overcome the challenges of disadvantage, exclusion and poverty in their communities.
Here’s what Jeremy Walden, Headteacher at Roche School, has to say.
“We were able to take 55 children from our Year 4 and 5 classes to Polkerris in the summer term. 25% of the group were children who are on our records as having special educational needs. 35% of the group are children in receipt of Free School Meals.
A very high percentage of the children that attend Roche CP School live in an area of deprivation according to the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI). Despite our proximity to both the north and south coasts of Cornwall, many of our children never visit the sea and even fewer ever can take part in water sports.
At Roche School we try to address this by identifying as many opportunities as possible to enrich children’s cultural capital by exposing them to the activities and environment that are on their doorstep but that they rarely access.
The children had a fantastic time. They paddle boarded as a group and had the opportunity to try it out individually as well. We discovered a ‘natural’ who flew off across the bay with perfect balance and technique. The children had to support and co-operate with one another to get afloat and make headway – some found this easier than others. They unanimously agreed that falling off was as much fun as staying upright.
On a poor weather day, the instructors put the children into the RIBs and took them across the bay to explore sea caves and coves. Another amazing experience.
The instructors showed great humour, patience and care every time. Nothing was too much trouble, exemplified by them going well above and beyond to provide opportunity for a child with a life limiting condition to get on the water and take part. More priceless memories for him and his family to have for the future.
We can all agree that the children had fun, but we also hope that the opportunity has broadened their horizons. Widening the breadth of what we can offer as a school always impacts positively on self-esteem and aspiration.
Thank you very much on behalf of us all.”
