Waterside Academy is proud to report on the significant progress made in the development of the Waterside Academy Paddle Sports Hub. This initiative reflects our commitment to outdoor learning, student well-being, and community engagement, and is supported by a number of strategic partnerships and planned investments.

Key Developments

1. Partnership Projects
   Waterside Academy has established a valuable partnership with the University of Liverpool, Canals and Rivers Trust and GroundsWell through the "Let's Paddle for Positive Change" project. This collaborative initiative promotes outdoor learning, health and well-being, and environmental responsibility through the medium of Paddle Sports. The University of Liverpool is currently collecting data from both pupils and staff at Waterside on the impact of the positive use of green and blue spaces in our local area.

2. Canal Adoption
   Waterside Academy has officially adopted a stretch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, enhancing opportunities for students to engage in practical environmental education and to take pride in maintaining a local natural resource.

3. Staff Training
   A key investment in sustainability and capacity building has seen six Waterside Academy staff successfully trained and qualified as paddle sports instructors. This allows us to safely deliver sessions in-house and supports the long-term integration of paddle sports into school life.

4. Curriculum Integration and Pupil Outcomes
   Paddle sports are now fully integrated into the school’s PE curriculum and extended curriculum offer. As a result, pupils are able to achieve a range of nationally recognised paddle sports awards and can be supported in training to become paddle sport instructors, offering clear progression pathways and leadership development.

   

   

 Infrastructure and Future Plans

• Outdoor Education Classroom: We are awaiting the delivery of a portacabin which will be used as an outdoor education classroom and have a changing area.
• Storage: We have purchased a storage container that will securely store our paddle sports equipment and be positioned close to the canal.
• Access Improvements: Investment has been made in repositioning school perimeter fences and installing double gates adjacent to the canal. This will provide controlled access to the waterway for visiting schools and external groups without requiring entry into the main school building.
• Affiliation with Paddle UK: Waterside Academy is currently in the process of becoming an affiliated paddle sport club with Paddle UK. This status will enable local community groups to access the hub outside of school hours and develop our school’s reputation as a centre of excellence in outdoor education.

  Wider Impact

  These developments will ensure that partner schools within The People’s Learning Trust and local primary schools can benefit from paddle sports activities delivered by Waterside Academy staff, promoting wider participation and community involvement. The development of the Waterside Academy Paddle Sports Hub marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering innovative, inclusive, and impactful education. We look forward to updating you as we progress further in this exciting journey.