ROYAL Marine Cadets are on the march ensuring their sixth form centre is ready for inspection.
The Combined Cadet Force is mobilising the troops as The King’s Academy, Coulby Newham, prepares to open the doors to its sixth form to the public.
Prospective sixth formers and their families will be able to visit from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on November 8 to gain an insight into life in further education.
Almost all of last year’s cohort from The King’s Academy applied to university, with 90 per cent gaining their first choices, half of them at the top Russell Group establishments. Others secured apprenticeships or took gap years.
Head of sixth form Trevor Starkey said: “We are really looking forward to opening our doors so students and their families can meet our specialists, gain an invaluable student perspective, tour our facilities and explore the broad curriculum on offer.”
Vice principal for ethos and community Simon Coe said the CCF was a great example of how students were offered opportunities that developed their characters, self-confidence and leadership skills and enhanced their personal statements and CVs.
“We have such a wide variety of courses, from STEM to the arts, music performance and technology to business, and the academy prides itself on offering a balance of provision and care. There is something here for everyone as well as excellent leadership development, with the likes of CCF and work experience programmes, and enrichment,” said Mr Coe.
The Royal Marines Cadet Force was launched at The King’s in September, the idea of principal David Dawes, a former officer in the British Army, as part of a national expansion programme in state schools.
Senior school instructor and former Royal Marine colour sergeant Trevor Calvert said there had been massive interest and a great response with a full contingency of 38 signing on.
“We have 11 NCOs, who will act as section leaders for the other students, who have undergone training at the Royal Marine Commando Training Centre.”
For Colour Sergeant Jack Batt, 18, of Coulby Newham, the CCF offers the first step towards his dream job as a fast jets pilot.
“I am aiming to join the RAF to fly Typhoons or F35 stealth fighters,” he said. “I’ve wanted to achieve this ambition since I watched a Typhoon race a Bugatti Veyron on Top Gear and the CCF experience will really help my personal statement.”
For Sgt Amelia Farrow, 17, of Linthorpe, the CFF provided a natural development route from her time with Explorer Scouts. “I thought it would be a great way to learn new skills and boost my confidence and leadership qualities,” said Amelia, an accomplished cross-country runner, who joined The King’s Academy sixth form from another school.
“It is great being a sergeant as it means I can be a role model for other girls. I love the structured nature of our sixth form as it allows me to focus on the grades I will need to go to Durham University to study sport and exercise science, before working in the sports industry.”
- For more information on the sixth form open evening, contact Mr Starkey on 01642 577577.