Crookhorn college students face leadership challenges

Two groups of students from Crookhorn College visited HMS Collingwood recently to undertake leadership challenge.

The students aged 14-15 and in year 10, visited the Royal Navy Leadership Academy (RNLA) to participate in the Low Ropes course and associated activities, the aim was to help develop their leadership, communication and team-working skills.

The visits were arranged by Lieutenant Commander Simon Weaver an Officer who was formally based at the Fareham site, he made the initial contact with the RNLA regarding these visits whilst serving at the base. The college has previously brought groups to the Fareham site earlier this year.

He said “Participating in The Duke of Edinburgh Award is really important for students; it builds confidence and develops teamwork and communication between the students.

"It also provides them with an extra string to their bow when applying for further education or a job, giving them valuable experience to draw upon in interview situations and provides them with personal examples to use in commonly asked questions regarding leadership, initiative and teamwork.

"It’s great that we can make use of the excellent facilities here at HMS Collingwood to make a significant contribution to the student’s learning and development.” 

Hosted by Warrant Officer Scott Matthewson, the challenges he set the groups were firstly to all travel from one platform to the other without touching the ground but using a swinging rope and then see how far along tow parallel ropes groups of two could move, whilst supporting each other.

When asked about the challenges Ryan, aged 14, said “I think this was great fun, it’s been nice to have someone who’s trained in leadership skills and knows what they are doing help us with these things.”