Young People ProgrammesCatZero designs and organises bespoke programmes for schools in order to engage students and improve their aspirations, self esteem and confidence. CatZero uses its 72 ft round the world racing challenge yacht as an alternative learning environment to offer the opportunity for attitudinal change by building self confidence, raising self esteem and motivating young people by demonstrating that there are no limits!
With over 4 years of experience in delivering innovative and successful programmes to unemployed young people in the Hull, East Riding and North East Lincolnshire areas, CatZero uses sailing at the heart of each tailored programme to develop pupils’ transferrable skills in self-confidence, teamwork and cognitive problem solving. CatZero takes its name from the insurance rating of the yacht, classed as “category zero”, meaning it can take on all conditions in any part of the world. We take this “no-limits” approach into our work with young people to enable and support them in achieving their full potential.
All programmes are undertaken using Restorative Practices (RP) methodology which enables those involved to challenge and support each other in a controlled environment with each person having an equal say in any decisions and, most importantly, how they feel about what is happening. RP is a fundamental component of any CatZero programme and is a crucial tool in assisting team dynamics, communication and development, as well as developing confidence and self-esteem and aiding personal action planning.
“It has given them the confidence to say 'yes, I can do this'. The difference in their work ethic is amazing. They get the work done and are aiming for higher grades. They're just changed people. They have become real leaders now and I never would have thought they had it in them." (Alison Mulqueen, Vice principal and 6th form director Archbishop Sentamu Academy, speaking to Hull Daily Mail 03/03/12)
“The trip was certainly an experience! Despite rough seas incurring bouts of sea sickness, our students pulled through displaying resilience and determination in taking on the role of skipper: keeping watch on deck through the night; navigating the boat; and ensuring we all had a safe sail. There was also a chance for students to take part in some Maths and English intervention, which was effectively linked to the tasks on board.” (Sirius Academy Teacher)
http://homepage.sirius-academy.org.uk/?pageID=students-news&id=catzero-success
This sailing challenge requires the young people to form two groups (watches) working on a 4 hour on, 4 hour off rota, with each watch responsible for crewing the boat with the assistance of a qualified crew. Each watch carries out key functions which are essential to completing the voyage including identifying team leaders, preparation and cooking of meals, cleaning, helming the vessel, navigation and engineering.
Research has shown that young people benefit from the challenging in a number of ways including the sense of achievement completing the sailing and gaining a relevant qualification alongside the sense of achievement in playing a key role as part of a team.
Through consultations, CatZero and your school will identify targets and aims and come to an agreed solution about how to achieve these key goals through our product and service range. Typically we then present the action plan to the pupils accessing the programme that is tailor made for them.
Your programme is completely written in consultation with yourself to achieve your target outcomes. This can include:
• One or two day introduction events, where we
engage the young people in physical and
cognitive activities to introduce them to
teamwork, leadership and communication
principals; and / or
• Classroom based sessions to study voyage
details and potential destinations – everyday
maths without even realising it; and / or
• Embarking the trip of a lifetime on board our
Challenge 72 Racing Yacht – anything from
a day to ten days to suit the target audience
and budget.
• Sailing is a challenge and classified as a
residential activity where the group of young
people are given the opportunity to work
together and fulfil key tasks on board the 72ft
Challenge yacht ‘CatZero’. This enables each
young person to put in place the planning
which they have developed as a team.
Developing self-esteem, aspirational goal setting and practical skills, CatZero’s school programmes have a strong history of inspiring and developing young people, giving them a unique C.V building opportunity and evidence of using skills to bring to interview situations.
For more information on how to arrange a CatZero programme for your school, please contact us on 01482 333303 or email info@catzero.org
Young People Programmes
