Students from years 9 and 10 at Ferndown Upper School enjoyed a busy day at HMS Sultan where they visited the marine and aircraft engineering schools.
Lt Cdr Marie-Claire Bartlett was our host and she had planned a day packed with interesting things to see and do. The students had to remove a black box from a helicopter along with the steering rod, allowing them to get ‘up close and into’ the helicopters. Curtis, 14, thought this was the “the best thing about the day, looking at the giant engines and going inside the helicopters.”
Another particularly fun part of the visit however, was the safety equipment demo, after which the students were timed as they put on the survival suit and life jacket.
We enjoyed lunch at the junior ratings mess where we had the opportunity to speak with young naval personnel who had recently left school.
In the afternoon, we had some team building activities after which Kimberley, 14, said she “had learnt how to trust people when you are falling from a great height.” 
Next the students were taken to the marine engineering section where we looked at the engines that are used in the Royal Navy ships. The next activity for the students was to take injectors out of small generator engines. 
Mrs Edwards, Head of Year said “It was an inspirational day, looking at opportunities beyond school in the Royal Navy. The students enjoyed the team building exercises as well as the ‘hands on’ practical tasks. It was thoroughly enjoyable, thank you.”
Our host, Lt Cdr Marie-Claire Bartlett said “It has been an absolute pleasure to see the change in characters and students coming out of their shells as the day has gone on.”
All in all, it was a brilliant day, full of new opportunities for the students and hopefully inspiring the next generation of engineers. Many thanks to everyone at HMS Sultan.
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