The Sea School and Blue Peter
By Bryn Dunlop
Have you noticed the beautiful sail boats that add charm to the already beautiful surrounds of Coochiemudlo Island?
They are part of The Sea School’s Blue Peter programs based in Redland Bay. The program is led by a talented group of skippers who facilitate the teaching of life and sailing skills whilst creating a fun and engaging culture of learning. Learning to sail might look like the primary focus, however overcoming fears, building teamwork, taking responsibility, and practicing good communication and leadership is where the real learning happens.
Blue Peter programs — more than just sailing
Blue Peter crew on Morwong Beach, Coochiemudlo Island.
Observant locals will no doubt have witnessed the ‘tell tale’* signs of a local Redlands organisation, that adds some charm to the already beautiful surrounds of Coochiemudlo Island. Perhaps you have noticed a small fleet of open sailing boats on the horizon, resplendent with their lateen sails … or you may have noticed curious rope circles, inhabited by young humans connecting and reflecting on their learning as crew within this little fleet? Or perhaps you have seen, on Morwong Beach, ochre being worn as part of the groups cultural connection to Quandamooka Country (of course, for countless generations this island has been known as the ‘place of red stone.’)
These moments are small examples of the wonderfully inclusive programs of Blue Peter, whose vision is to create rich and meaningful ‘learning adventures’. The programs are gathering momentum. Blue Peter’s indefatigable efforts over the past decade, has resulted in a suite of programs and a generous community of practice that work to build capacity — not only through adventure-based learning opportunities but also traineeships and employment.
Blue Peter is led by a talented group of skippers who facilitate safe exploration of the marine environment, carried by the wind, tide and waves, to help rediscover the fun and curiosity in learning. One of their star trainers first came to The Sea School as an ‘at-risk’ student and has now progressed to now be a fully-fledged skipper. What a great inspiration for young people in need of some positive guidance!
Flexi schooling
The young people who come to Blue Peter for this particular program on Coochiemudlo are enrolled at the EREA Flexible Schools.
Due to an increasing number of young people struggling with mainstream schooling options, ‘flexi schooling’ is now the fastest growing sector of education provision in Australia. Blue Peter partners with flexi schools and their vulnerable and marginalised young people to support their growth and overcome their educational challenges.
The ‘Coochie circumnavigations’ are the launchpad for much bigger adventures, literally and figuratively. Learning to sail might look and feel like the primary focus, however overcoming fears, building teamwork, taking responsibility, practicing supportive communication and leadership is where the real learning happens.
Fundamental to this work is the EREA teacher-youth worker model and the creation of a tangible sense of community where small functional teams learn, grow and practice skills together as they embark on ‘learning journeys’. Many students come to the experience with trepidation and anxiety, but leave with a renewed sense of themselves and of the wider community… whilst others arrive ‘full of bluster’ only to realise there is a lot more to sailing and good team teamwork than they originally thought!
If you see us, say hello!
We love it when the Coochiemudlo locals or visitors come down for a chat (often about the pretty boats) and provide an opportunity for our students to connect to folks outside of their usual circles … which of course provides a great opportunity to practice their social skills and expand on their learnings. Feel free to come and say g’day, or ‘YURA’ in the local language
*Note: the general use of the term “tell tale sign” is a predictor or indicator of something that gives information that could otherwise be missed. For sailors, a “tell-tale” is a dangling ribbon/thread, tied to the rigging or attached to the sail to indicate the flow of the breeze offers a tell-tale sign. This is just a small example of teachable, sailing tips that promotes further discussion and metaphoric connections.⛵💨
Blue Peter is a part of The Sea School, which also runs the highly regarded Pelican Café and Pelican Slipways at Redland Bay. Find out more on www.theseaschool.com.au
