Can teachers use sail training to create more inspired and engaging lessons?

Can sail training use teachers to get more students interested in the maritime world?

A copy of the presentation delivered at the 2013 Sail Training International Conference in Aalborg, Denmark is available for download. An adapted version was also presented at the Association of Sail Training Organisations Conference.

Teachers have a remarkable influence on the young people in their care. The Teachers @ Sea (T@S) Program uses experiential learning—specifically sail training—to inspire teachers so they, in turn, can inspire their students.

Sail Training is an adventure learning program conducted at sea aboard tall ships. It has well‑documented benefits for youth development. T@S adapts this model for teachers, showing them how to use the experience to create more engaging lessons and spark interest in the maritime world.

A single youth voyage participant may influence 1–5 peers. A teacher influences 30–150 students every year—often more when they are passionate and inspired.

Curriculum Links

Sail training connects naturally with many KLAs: Science, Mathematics, PDHPE, Language, History, Music, Geography, Psychology, Communications, Business Studies, Visual Arts, Technology and Design, International Studies, and Engineering.

Teacher Feedback

• “I got out of it a number of ways we can incorporate this into the classroom.”
• “Every time I go to the classroom we just talk about the excursion.”
• “Able to share the experience with other students.”
• “I’ve been inspired and would love to do something like this with other students.”
• “Thinking about how to create that kind of environment within the classroom.”
• “Most of the subjects can link with this type of activity.”
• “When I can say ‘this is what I did’ it may get them inspired.”

Organisations Linking Education and Sail Training

A selection of international organisations integrating sail training with education:

• Citizen Science (UK): Marine biology and chemistry monitoring.
• Irish School Curriculum: Outdoor adventurous learning; annual “Transition Year” voyage.
• Class Afloat (Canada): Blue‑water high school and college‑prep programs at sea.
• Poland: Multi‑month and short programs with direct syllabus links.
• Cirdan Sailing Trust (UK): Builds stronger teacher–student bonds.
• Helmsman Project (Australia): Mentoring with sailing components.
• Marine Stewardship Council (UK): Classroom Skype sessions on ocean exploration.
• Leeuwin Ocean Adventure (Australia): Senior graduation credit.
• Ocean Youth Trust Scotland: Curriculum for Excellence as program foundation.
• Gordonstoun School (Scotland): Sail training embedded in curriculum.
• SeaMester (US): Blends formal learning with real‑world application at sea.
• Spirit of Bermuda: STEM‑focused learning linked to middle‑school curriculum.
• Alma Dopel (Australia): Student restoration volunteering linked to Humanities.
• Spirit of New Zealand: National outreach; trophy program for teachers.
• Sea Education Association (US): Post‑secondary ocean education.
• Ocean Classrooms Afloat (US): Semester and week‑long curriculum‑based voyages.

Additional resources will be added as they are shared by practitioners. Discussions are underway with Sail Training International regarding an online resource portal for STI members.

For more information or program suggestions, contact murray@mchenstock.com.

STEM Education

Robotics

In 2015, I joined the WPGH Robotics Team and participated in a Macquarie University ICT workshop, securing seven Lego Mindstorms EV3 robots for the school.

Students successfully petitioned Google Australia for a grant to enter the FIRST Lego League competition.

• 2015: Judges Award Trophy (Core Values)
• 2016: Core Values Trophy

The robotics club has since expanded into the Zero Robotics Competition.

Astronomy

As patron of the WPGH Astronomy Club, I have run successful Community Astronomy Nights since 2013.

A collaboration with Astronomers Without Borders helped fund and construct a 5m portable planetarium for school and community use.

“Whatever country or culture across the world, science teachers traditionally have a challenging road ahead of them… Murray Henstock believes he has tapped into something powerful using astronomy and a fun planetarium initiative as the perfect springboard.”

Articles written for AWB:

• On a Clear Night
• Astronomy’s Impact on a School Community

Innovative Concepts

More content coming soon.