This September a Year 9 geography class from Tavistock College started an exciting project which brings the real world into the classroom.
Each member of the class has written to a member of the crew on board the Royal Naval Frigate HMS Northumberland, currently on deployment in The Gulf and Arabian Sea. The class asked them about their geographical experiences and highlights of their deployment so far, as the class are hoping for an insight into geography in action before doing a unit on Conflict later this year. The box of letters and Tavistock College pens have now been followed with boxes of biscuits to stay thank you for the help that Devonport based HMS Northumberland will be providing to the year 9 geography students.
Although we haven’t received the blue BFPO letters back from HMS Northumberland yet, several have been emailed to Mrs Froud, the class teacher, for the students. It turns out the HMS Northumberland enjoyed
receiving the letters and they are posting their responses from their next port in, so hopefully the class will receive their replies late October, as well as charts and maps to show their deployment journey so far.
However the Ship’s Company and the Geography Department are so impressed by the communications that they would like to continue the link beyond one letter. A visit to the ship has been suggested and the sailors working with the College will be invited to come out to the school for a
workshop scenario.
“This project is one that we would like to see evolve; promoting students learning of geography in action whilst supporting our servicemen and women at the same time. It is a superb way to engage students of all abilities” said Mrs Froud from the Tavistock College Geography Department.
CPO AWW Burgoyne, liaise with the College from the Gulf says “It’s been a great opportunity for members of the ships company to educate Tavistock year nine geography students on elements of our deployment. The ships company that replied ranged from an able rate who has just joined the RN to a LT CDR RN. LT CDR King studied for a geography degree and really enjoyed his involvement with the school. We look forward to hosting them on board one day.”
