PUPILS from Matravers recently enjoyed a trip to Warminster Garrison as part of a vocational programme at the school.
The trip, organised by Garrison sergeant major Adam Diver and Matravers alternative provision progress leader Annette Marsden, was for students participating in the CVQO project and was the fifth trip of this kind organised over the last year.
The Garrison generously offered their facilities to the school to help to support the innovative vocational work that the school has introduced for a whole range of students.
GSM Adam Diver explained, “We are a central part of the community in Warminster and we enjoy being involved with the school projects. The students really engage with the schemes that we provide to support their CVQO course.
“When Dr Simon Riding, headteacher and Annette Marsden asked us to be involved with their work, I had no doubt as to the benefits. With each visit, we aim to improve the delivery and range for the students and they are really appreciative.”
The students were equally enthusiastic about their day out. They described it as “Great fun” and “brilliant”. Their day started with learning how to march. They were shown and allowed to climb on vehicles. They looked at the way that computers had transformed the Army with virtual ranges.
The PTI took the group through their paces, giving them command tasks to complete which involved them working as a team. One student said, “I was nervous about being blindfolded to complete the course, but everyone looked out for me. We worked together. It was fun.” The day ended with students being treated to an excellent and well deserved lunch at the Mess.
Annette Marsden observed that she noticed a huge impact the days at Warminster Garrison had on the students. She said, “It is amazing to see how the students increase in concentration and motivation in just a few hours. Adam and the Garrison have been a tremendous support to this project.
“I think that it is really important to give students experiences outside of the normal classroom to show them how their education can work beyond school. The Garrison has helped that to happen.”
The Garrison and Matravers have further plans for how they can build on this unique relationship in the future.
