Every Council-run primary school in Aberdeen will be sent a “treasure chest” of Tall Ships goodies to spark their imagination and excitement before the 50-strong fleet arrives in the Granite City this July.
Along with the thrill of the Treasure Boxes and learning packs, each school will adopt one of the magnificent vessels dropping anchor for the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, including the chance to interact with their captains and crews online and follow their ships as they race toward the north-east shores. Orchard Brae and Stoneywood Schools have each been teamed up with Class A Dutch vessel Wylde Swan.
The Treasure Boxes and learning packs are packed with fun, maritime-related educational resources containing lessons on the history and significance of Tall Ships, navigation and other sailing skills, marine wildlife, water safety and play-based learning ideas, which organisers hope will spark a “Tall Ships fever” among city pupils. Non-local authority primary schools in the city will receive the digital learning pack as will primary schools in Aberdeenshire.
Speaking at a special launch of the Treasure Boxes and Adopt-a-Ship activities at Orchard Brae School, Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships organising committee and Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Convenor, said: “Today’s launch really helps us to prepare for the arrival of the huge fleet of ships coming to the harbour in July.
“The Tall Ships Race is an historic experience for all ages to enjoy but with a special focus on young people. Schools which adopt a ship will be able to discover more about the sea and our maritime heritage.
“The Treasure Boxes are a great way to share stories and fun in advance of the festival. It's important that the event is as inclusive as possible."
The story in the sensory Tall Ships pack for Orchard Brae pupils was written by the school’s Deputy Head Teacher Naomi Farrimond, who said: “The Tall Ships Festival in Aberdeen is one of the biggest events to be held in the city in a long time. It is important that everyone in Aberdeen is able to engage with the festival and enjoy the vibrance and diversity of the global community coming to the city.
“In order to maximise this engagement for learners across the city, these packs are a excellent stimulus to set the scene for what is to come. Sensory stories are already used as part of learning at Orchard Brae, they enable learners to engage repeatedly with a story through all of their senses, not just their eyes and ears. The Sensory story is designed to be a stimulus for teachers working with our complex learners. It gives learners the opportunity to experience and develop understanding of the experiences their peers will have when they board the ships in Dunkirk and Aberdeen for the race.
“We are delighted to have access to a pack designed specifically for learners with complex needs and are looking forward to where our learners take us on their journey to the festival.’
Pupils were excited about the Treasure Boxes, adopting a ship and the Tall Ships coming to Aberdeen and, of course meeting mascot Dorry the Dolphin.
Also impressed were Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen and Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired. Mr Sanguinetti said: “It’s fantastic to see young people embracing the spirit of The Tall Ships Races. We’re proud to support this inspiring initiative, which connects our city’s next generation with its rich maritime heritage in such a meaningful and exciting way.”
Mr Watson said: “Young people are the heart and soul of the Tall Ships Races and these ‘treasure chests’ and the chance to adopt a ship are fantastic ways to spark the imagination of our primary pupils and, hopefully, start a Tall Ships fever in our schools.
“Beyond the excitement of the Tall Ships races there is also the aim of telling the next generation of Aberdonians about the rich and fascinating maritime tradition of generations before. Who knows, it might even help some of them plot a course to a future career in the maritime sector still so vital to Aberdeen.”
The learning packs were created by Aberdeen City Council’s Education team with the valuable assistance of the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, the Royal Yachting Association, the Association of Sail Training Organisations, the Aberdeen Line Committee and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
