RYA featured in acclaimed new book: Zest for Learning

Professor Bill Lucas and Dr Ellen Spencer © RYA

The RYA is pleased to be featured as a case study in a new book titled Zest for Learning: developing curious learners who relish real-world challenges, written by acclaimed researchers and thought leaders, Prof Bill Lucas and Dr Ellen Spencer.

The book explores the ways in which teachers can help their pupils to find their passions, develop independence and challenge themselves to become more expansive learners. It's used the RYA as a case study and an example of how organisations outside of schools can develop these essential skills in young people.

At the book launch last Thursday (12 March) at the University of Winchester, RYA Director of Sport Development, Alistair Dickson and RYA Coaching Development Manager, Dave Mellor, spoke about what 'Zest for Learning' means to the RYA and how they develop it within young sailors, windsurfers, instructors and coaches.

They described how RYA programmes have been designed to encourage these capabilities and also how they relate to everyday life, helping to setup young sailors for a successful life outside of sailing.

"We're really pleased to be featuring as a case study within this book. Being used as an example of good practice is really important to the RYA and results from years of coach, instructor and learning development across the organisation.

"It's also pleasing to see Bill and Ellen working so hard to encourage teachers to look outside the classroom for learning opportunities as we know how much value activities such as sailing and windsurfing can offer to young people".

Co-author and Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning at the University of Winchester, Professor Bill Lucas commented: "I love RYA's approach to learning to sail, seeing the process as an opportunity for young people to develop their character and learn about themselves at the same time as enjoying being on the water. We are delighted to feature the RYA's ground-breaking work in developing curious, purposeful, zestful young sailors!"

The RYA collaborated with Professor Bill Lucas to re-launch the RYA OnBoard programme in 2017, drawing on research which emphasised the broader benefits of sailing for youngsters.

Zest for Learning: Developing curious learners who relish real-world challenges is suitable for headteachers, teachers and youth leaders, in either primary or secondary settings or parents who are interested in the development of their children.

It can be purchased from Crown House Publishing Ltd - crownhouse.co.uk

For more information about sailing for youngsters and the RYA OnBoard Programme at rya.org.uk/go/onboard.