A Rite of Passage: 1st Year Model Boats

Building a model boat in DT is a cherished rite of passage for all our 1st Year pupils. Over the course of a term, pupils embark on a hands on journey that introduces them to the foundational principles of woodwork.

Working from a standardised template, each pupil learns about a range of traditional woodworking tools, including tenon saws, spoke shaves, chisels, and sanding machines. The process is designed to develop essential practical skills, learn safety protocols, and it also cultivates patience, precision, and a strong sense of personal achievement.

In the final stage of the project, pupils apply the finishing touches by painting, varnishing, and rigging their boats, and even design and create their own bespoke sails. The result is a unique and beautifully crafted vessel that reflects individual creativity and effort.

These handcrafted boats have become treasured keepsakes, proudly displayed in the homes of Truro School families for generations.