SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES: Holyrood students meet the Royal Marines

THIRTY students from Holyrood Academy in Chard have been put through their paces by the Royal Marines.

Internationally renowned, the Royal Marines Commandos are the UK's expeditionary force and the Royal Navy's amphibious troops.

They are held at a very high readiness to respond to events around the globe and are trained to operate in any environment in the world, at sea, in mountain and arctic conditions, in jungles and in deserts.

Being a close knit organisation, they excel in team work, communications, organisation and discipline. Other attributes include a high standard of physical fitness, courage, determination, selflessness and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.

PHOTO – TOP: Year Nine “Commandos” from Holyrood Academy with Corporal Dan Lyness and Marines Connor Gemmell and Fin Murphy.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Holyrood Academy's new logo.

This selection of Year Nine students soon realised the high level of fitness required to become a Royal Marine Commando as they attempted various fitness activities targeted at improving their stamina, muscular endurance and strength.

After some initial warm-ups, they went on to work in groups to complete a range of team building exercises and thus gained an insight into the levels of fitness required to join the Armed Forces. Many are now considering making a career as a Royal Marine!

Paul Reid, head of Year Nine at Holyrood, said: “It has been a very successful day. Our students have not only developed an understanding of the expectations required to become a Commando but they have also learnt the importance of respect in everything they do.

“I always encourage students to be the best they can in and this ethos was demonstrated fantastically by the Royal Marines Commandos.”

Corporal Dan Lyness said: “These Holyrood students got really stuck in to the tasks. They have learnt that through listening closely to and following instructions, using good communication skills, personal discipline, team work and hard work, they can bond together to achieve a desired outcome and have fun in doing so.”

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