Southsea cadets full of pride for their first formal inspection

CHILDREN at a secondary school stood to attention as they were inspected by a top naval officer yesterday.
Commodore Bob Fancy inspects Charter Academy pupils who are part of the school's Combined Cadet ForceCommodore Bob Fancy inspects Charter Academy pupils who are part of the school's Combined Cadet Force
Commodore Bob Fancy inspects Charter Academy pupils who are part of the school's Combined Cadet Force

Commodore Bob Fancy inspected 13 pupils from Charter Academy, who are part of the school’s newly-formed Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

The celebration was kicked-off in stunning style with a rousing display by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums.

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But drama struck midway through the Southsea school’s ceremony as one of the young cadets fainted, collapsing and hitting his head on the floor.

Teachers and a navy photographer rushed to his aid, while staff called for an ambulance to attend the school, in Isambard Brunel Road. The 14-year-old boy was treated by paramedics at the scene and was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Cosham as a precaution.

Clive Barnes, academy principal, praised his staff’s rapid response

‘There was no panic and the kids remained disciplined,’ he said. ‘As a precaution we called for an ambulance.’

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The ceremony concluded in the school with six children receiving their Ordinary Cadet titles – the first rung on the CCF ladder.

Cmdr Fancy, who is the Royal Navy’s commander of core training, praised the children’s discipline,

He added the programme is part of the navy’s new plan to build fresh links with pupils across the nation.

‘We’re trying to refresh and energise the relationship with the Royal Navy and the cadet force,’ he said.

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‘Pupils at Charter Academy now have the opportunity to take part in great life experiences, which can form an important part of their personal development.

‘At the same time the new and future recruits can learn all about core values such as ambition, respect, commitment, loyalty and courage which are an important part of military life.’

Cadets to gain promotion included Bradley Baptiste, Tyler Hollett, Emma Hatton, Josh Heath-Gunnell, Amanda Rowland and Kaya Larkin.

Bradley, 15, said: ‘Being a cadet helps you learn more about leadership and team work. It’s a great experience.’

Mr Barnes said the CCF unit was ‘inspiring’ other pupils to improve their behaviour and was giving ‘crucial opportunities’ to disadvantaged children at the school.

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