Approximately 130 pupils from 18 local schools took to the water at Poole Park Lake during Rockley’s annual 'Can Do’ Festival, delivered in partnership with Active Dorset.
Held across two days, the festival welcomed secondary school pupils on 5 June and primary school pupils on 9 June. The event gave children and young people the opportunity to try activities including kayaking and paddleboarding, with many experiencing watersports for the first time.
The ‘Can Do’ Festival is designed to encourage pupils to get active, build confidence and work towards their personal best within a supportive, inclusive and non-competitive environment.
Rockley Managing Director Pip Woods said: “As always, it was fantastic to see so many pupils getting out on the water. For many of these children, this was their first opportunity to try activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding. It gives them the chance to step outside the classroom, challenge themselves, have fun and perhaps even discover a new passion.
“Education is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. It is about providing opportunities for young people to grow, develop and gain experiences that build confidence and character.
“The ‘Can Do’ Festival is about much more than watersports. It is about teamwork, resilience, strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories. Rockley has always been committed to making watersports accessible to everyone, and this event perfectly reflects that mission.”
Activities were led by Rockley’s team of highly qualified instructors, supported by first-year students studying for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, who were completing their work experience placements.
The students played an important role in helping the event run smoothly while gaining practical experience of working with schools, teachers and young people in a professional outdoor education environment.
Rockley College Curriculum Manager Jake said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to put into practice what they have learnt throughout the year. Being involved in an event of this scale gives them valuable insight into the industry and helps them understand the realities of working in a sport and outdoor education environment.
“It is not only about applying the skills they have acquired. It is also about building their confidence and developing their communication skills with both teachers and young people. Experiences like this are invaluable in preparing them for their future careers.”
Teachers attending the festival praised the inclusive range of activities, the organisation of the event and the support provided by Rockley’s staff and students.
One teacher said: “The children chosen were unlikely to have had any previous experience, so this was a fabulous opportunity. The staff were fantastic, the organisation was excellent and our students had the chance to take on new challenges.”
Other feedback highlighted the value of giving every child an opportunity to participate, the range of activities available for different abilities and the confidence pupils developed while on the water.
The annual ‘Can Do’ Festival forms part of Rockley’s continued commitment to making watersports and outdoor education accessible to children and young people from across Dorset.