School children from across Devon, Cornwall and further afield have been among the recent visitors to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC).
A group of 49 students from Dartmouth Academy were welcomed to the College by the Commanding Officer, Captain (Capt) Jol Woodard before being split into groups for a round-robin of activities. They were introduced to team-working and leadership skills on BRNC’s low ropes training facility.
The group of 11 to 14 year olds also put their best feet forward during a marching session on the parade ground and took part in a fitness session in the gymnasium.
Rebecca Darke, Associate Principal at the Academy, said, “The pupils have been given a fantastic opportunity to experience various activities at the College.
“This has been a great way to end what has been a week of challenges at Dartmouth Academy for the pupils and a brilliant finale to their last day at school before breaking up for the summer holidays.”
For Riley, one of the students attending, it was also an opportunity to see where members of his family had worked.
He said, “It is really cool spending our last day at school here at the College. My Dad and Grandad worked at the Naval College many years ago and it is great to be where they were.”
BRNC signed a twinning agreement with the Dartmouth Academy in February.
In addition, a group of 13 students from schools in Plymouth, Callington, Weston-Super-Mare, Bridgewater and Staffordshire, taking part in a work experience programme organised by Devonport Naval Base, have spent a day at BRNC.
The group were given an insight into the Initial Naval Officer training programme and took part in activities on the low ropes course and the River Dart.
Harrison, one of the students taking part, said, “Experiencing what it is like to be part of the Navy has been brilliant, all the events we have participated in have been well organised.
“Taking part in all the challenges has given me an insight into what I skills I already have and what I need to work on to hopefully pursue a career in the Navy.”
Six students have taken part in BRNC’s own work experience programme. During their week at the College, the students spent a day each working alongside staff in the stores department, the gymnasium, on the River Dart, the ceremonial training team and with the team delivering training to members of the Royal Naval Reserve.
Photo taken by Lauren Jade Ahern, a Dartmouth Academy student on work experience at the College.
