Pupils from a Bangor secondary school have been rewarded for their good behaviour by their School Community Police Officer.
Ten pupils from Ysgol Friars visited the Plas Menai Watersports Centre near Felinheli on Wednesday (20th January) to take part in an adventure day with activities such as sailing, thanks to PC Neil Williams.
The Year Ten pupils were given this opportunity as a reward for 100% attendance during the school year, with no exclusions, suspensions or detentions.
“The day was organised to help improve attendance at school with pupils that are deemed to be at risk of truanting or who have previously had challenging behaviour,” said PC Williams.
“The day was part-funded by the Arson Reduction Team and Sports Council for Wales’ Splash programme and the pupils earned their place for their good behaviour. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we are looking forward to returning in March with some of the Year Seven pupils.”
PC Williams is no stranger to the water – he is a Powerboat Instructor and enjoys sailing during his spare time.
“I first became interested in watersports after I joined the army when they sent us on an adventure weekend which involved sailing.
“From then onwards I found something that I really enjoyed and who knows, we may even encourage some of the pupils to take up the sport.”
Anna Baker, Life-Skills Co-ordinator for Ysgol Friars said: “The pupils that had high attendance records were given the opportunity to go to Plas Menai with PC Williams.
“The idea of the day was to help encourage leadership, team building skills, good lines of communication and pupils support within each other – even the most nervous of people chose to take part which was great!”
“They all had a great day and we are extremely grateful to PC Williams for co-ordinating the day.”
PC Neil Williams has been a School Community Police Officer for five years and has overall responsibility for Ysgol Friars, Ysgol Coed Menai, Ysgol Syr Huw Owen, Ysgol Brynrefail and their associated feeder primary schools.
