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Neil Duncan-Jordan, Member of Parliament for Poole, visited Rockley Watersports to see first-hand the transformational impact of outdoor learning on young people in the local community.
During his visit to Rockley’s Hamworthy centre, Mr Duncan-Jordan toured the facilities, met with students and staff from Rockley College, and witnessed the wide range of watersports and outdoor education programmes on offer. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of outdoor learning in developing confidence, resilience, and life skills among young people, as well as its role in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Rockley Watersports, a leading provider of outdoor education and watersports training, has been delivering high-quality learning experiences for nearly five decades. Each year, the centre provides hundreds of young people with hands on opportunities to learn in an outdoor environment, supporting academic achievement, vocational skills, and pathways into the outdoor industry. For many young people, particularly those who may struggle in conventional academic settings, this inclusive, active environment enables them to thrive.
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP said: “It was wonderful to visit Rockley Watersports and see the incredible work being done to support young people in our community. Outdoor learning plays such an important role in education and wellbeing. For many students, it offers something different from the traditional school model - less time at a desk and more time learning through hands on, real life experiences. Rockley’s programmes are a shining example of how this approach can transform lives, particularly for young people who might not otherwise have these opportunities. I’m committed to championing access to initiatives like this for all young people in Poole.”
The visit concluded with a discussion on how Rockley and local stakeholders can work together to enhance access to outdoor learning opportunities for all young people in Poole and the wider Dorset area, ensuring every young person, regardless of background, can benefit from the power of outdoor learning.