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Scuba lessons for punctual kids

21/12/2007

YOUNGSTERS have been going underwater for not missing lessons.

Staff at Ashbury Meadow Primary School wanted pupils with 100 per cent attendance to be rewarded.

But instead of a pat on the back the group were sent - scuba diving.

Nine youngsters have been doing a Padi course with qualified instructors as part of a pilot scheme at Miles Platting pool.

And the experience has been a definite hit.

Head teacher Lorna Rushton: "It is the first time we have done this. We have had a variety of little awards before but it is really nice to be able to have such a opportunity for children because it is not something they would normally get an opportunity to do.

"It doesn't always appeal to all children but both boys and girls have enjoyed it immensely. It has had a role in boosting the confidence of the children and it is nice to link that with something so important as attendance."

Irene Baron, who obtained £7,000 funding for the pilot project, said not all the children could even swim before they put on flippers and goggles.

"You don't actually need to swim to be able to scuba dive and one of them, Jack Taylor, was frightened of the water to start with. Now he goes swimming at the weekend, which he didn't do before."

The Padi Seal Team course involved five 'Aquamissions' to teach the children basic scuba skills. They can now go on to do more advanced special missions such as wreck diving, which they are scheduled to do this week.

As well as certificates, the group also received rucksacks for their efforts.