MILITARY Academy students from Duchy College have been put through their paces during a two day visit to HMS Raleigh.

Duchy College is the only college in the UK to attend a phase 1 or initial training establishment on a regular basis, which gives students an insight into life in the Royal Navy.

During the two days the students underwent teamwork and leadership exercises as well as gym sessions. They also spent time with HMS Raleigh’s parade staff where they were introduced to discipline and marching. 

Student Charlie Hawken said: ‘The course at Duchy is second to none; it has really improved my fitness and knowledge of the forces. I have completed level three early and I’m going to The Army Foundation College at Harrogate next month. The course has really helped get me ready for my next step! The days we have at HMS Raleigh are a lot of fun and really help our teamwork skills.’

The training the students experience is based on the 10-week initial naval training programme for new recruits.  Under the partnership established last year a group of students spend two days at HMS Raleigh each month. 

Student Beth Connolly said: ‘I am level 2 at the moment and will be going onto level 3 next year to build up my fitness. I love coming to HMS Raleigh, we are so lucky to come to a place like this; we get to learn a lot and build up our fitness.’

Fellow student Jack Bright said: ‘The course has been amazing so far. You get so hands-on with everything and you do so many tasks. Coming to HMS Raleigh gives us such a head start for whatever you go on to. It is amazing we get this opportunity as I am hoping to go in to the Marines.’

Captain Rob Bellfield, the commanding officer of the training base, said:  ‘We are delighted to be able to share our training methods with the students at Duchy College and hope that what they learn here will give them a head-start as they embark on their future careers.’

Jon Stone, lecturer for Military Academy at Duchy Stoke, said: ‘All the students are taught by lecturers who have a military background but having this experience in a phase 1 establishment is invaluable. They get a real feel of what it is like and if it is going to be for them.’