SHIVER me timbers . . . Bolton youngsters are taking to the waves in a pirate ship for the voyage of a lifetime.
Pupils at Lever Park Special School in Horwich are to crew a ketch - a sailing vessel with two masts - at the end of July as part of a history project inspired by the blockbuster Hollywood film, Pirates Of The Caribbean.
Teachers used the film to embark on a study of pirates, which has incorporated learning about slavery and Bolton's cotton industry.
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The school successfully bid for £24,000 from the Heritage Lottery Young Roots to fund the project.
During their five-day adventure, pupils will sail the Greater Manchester Challenge around the coast of Scotland, stopping off at several islands.
In preparation, they are already practising their diving skills at Westhoughton Swimming Pool and learning about water safety.
Ryan Galley, aged 14, said: "It was great learning to dive. I can't wait to do it for real in the sea."
Harley Johnson, aged 12, added: "Scuba diving is brilliant because it is not like normal swimming."
Maverick Amos, aged 13, said: "Doing the project and the diving has been a good experience."
Josh Field, aged 15, said: "I was nervous at first, but it was fantastic."
School counsellor Carole Darbyshire said: "This trip really is a chance of a lifetime for the pupils. They are so excited, and this project has taught the young people about the slave trade, and Bolton's heritage.
"The study has brought up issues such as racism, which the young people have discussed. Studying it this way has brought it to life for them."
As part of the project, the 14 pupils from Years Eight, Nine and 10, will gain a number of nautical qualifications including the Royal Yachting Association Level One sailing and a diving certificate.
Their will be two trips in July, each having a crew of seven .
Mrs Darbyshire added: "The pupils are gaining so much from this project. They have a real interest in learning the history of the era. They will also learn important lifeskills such as team work, communication."
The pupils will also be trained in multi-media skills, so they can produce a documentary recording their adventures.
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