Staff Succeed at Sea

Posted at 9:18 am on 30th April, 2019

Royal Navy Officer training for Wellacre staff

Congratulations to Contingent Commander, Mr Wise ( Cover Supervisor) and Section Officers, Mr Duffy (Year 11 Progress Leader and Director of Futures) and Mr Baker (Leader of Geography) who recently completed officer training for Wellacre’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Navy Unit and were awarded the rank of Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) by the Royal Navy.

Mr Wise, Mr Duffy and Mr Baker visited the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), situated in Dartmouth, in April to undertake basic Royal Navy Officers’ training to enable them to establish a successful CCF unit at Wellacre and undertake the roles of Sub-Lieutenant Officers.

As well as lesson-based learning, including practical leadership tasks and low ropes, the team also visited  HMS Monmouth, a Type-23 frigate. The staff were able to learn more about living and working on a warship.  They also had the opportunity to take to the sea and sail a dory, whaler and picker boat down the River Dart.  

SLt Baker, Section Officer and Leader of Geography, said:

“We all really enjoyed our experience at BRNC and aim to bring some of that excitement back into school to enthuse our cadets. We are so proud to wear our Royal Navy Officers uniforms and represent not only our school, but the Royal Navy CCF.”

Wellacre’s CCF Navy Unit was established in January 2019.  The unit is headed by award-winning School Staff Instructor, Mr Boswell, who holds the rank of Colour Sergeant (Assistant Head of House, Pankhurst.)  The aim is to provide an exciting opportunity for students to learn new life skills that will enable them to realise their ambitions and benefit future careers.  

Principal Miss Wicks said:

“We’re extremely proud of SLt Wise, SLt Duffy and SLt Baker who completed their Naval training and successfully passed out at BRNC Dartmouth.  The unit is already making great strides and we look forward to our official launch and flag-raising ceremony in October.”