Cirdan Trust Full Report

The students had a wonderful time on our recent sailing trip with the Cirdan Trust. The support provided by both the boat crew and 3H helped make this opportunity enjoyable, accessible, and highly successful.

For most of our pupils, this was their first time on a sailing boat and, for some, the longest period they had spent away from home, with or without their parents. Throughout the week, the trip provided invaluable opportunities for students to work together as a team, support one another, and take responsibility for shared tasks. Both the Nexus staff and the Cirdan crew were incredibly impressed by how well the students collaborated and supported each other throughout the voyage. 

The journey began back in January, with excitement and anticipation building as the trip drew closer. The students fully recognised what a special opportunity this would be. They were involved in planning the menu and discussing everything they would need to prepare for each stage of the voyage.

When departure day finally arrived, the students were at school bright and early, ready to begin their adventure. The journey started in Poole, sailing to Studland Bay for the first night, which many found quite challenging as the boat rocked in the waves. By the following day, with several students feeling seasick, we sailed into the Solent before anchoring in Osborne Bay.

Despite the early challenges, the students embraced every opportunity. They enjoyed driving the tender, climbing the mast, and relaxing in the bowsprit net (the netting at the front of the boat). That evening, they spent time playing cards together and watching the England match on deck. The following day, the group sailed to Cowes, where they enjoyed some time ashore, cooled off with a visit to Cowes Beach, and finished the day with a barbecue on deck. On the final evening, we sailed to Brownsea Island, where everyone celebrated one of the students' birthdays together. 

Overall, the students had an incredible experience. When asked about their favourite parts of the trip, they mentioned sailing the boat, meeting the crew, playing cards, climbing the mast, celebrating the birthday, dancing together and, for many, simply "everything!"

The life skills and learning that took place during the week will have a lasting impact and may take some time for the students to fully appreciate. The memories they have made will last a lifetime and, hopefully, give them confidence and resilience to draw upon in the future. 

Throughout the week, the students demonstrated remarkable resilience. Even when many of them were feeling unwell due to the conditions at sea, they remained positive and encouraged one another. Those who were feeling well willingly took on extra responsibilities, while others persevered, knowing that things would improve. They showed excellent teamwork, initiative, and independence; if a job needed doing, they simply got on with it.

A further highlight of the trip is that it contributes towards the Residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, bringing several students one step closer to achieving this prestigious qualification. 

Finally, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible. Thank you to our students for their enthusiasm, resilience, and determination throughout the week. Thank you to the Cirdan Trust staff and crew for their patience, encouragement, and expert guidance every step of the way. Thank you to the Nexus School staff, who gave their time, energy, and unwavering support to ensure that every student could participate safely and confidently.

Our final and heartfelt thanks go to the 3H Foundation for their incredibly generous support. Their funding helped make this amazing opportunity possible for our students, creating memories and experiences that they will carry with them for many years to come.