Army cadets on march in South Tyneside school

Sep 12 2009 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

ARMY bosses are hoping a school boot camp will help them find new recruits. The army cadets have opened a new detachment, based in Boldon School, South Tyneside, and this week hosted an open day to encourage youngsters to sign up.

Staff working out of a Boldon office will run sessions twice a week and work with students to promote military values.

Major Gary Tate, commander of the A Company, which is based in Londonderry Hall, South Shields, was on hand to tell pupils about life in the army.

He said: “The open day was fantastic. We had a 40ft climbing wall for the kids to try and recruiting trailers for the army cadets, the TA and the regulars for those who wanted to sign up.

“The reaction was unbelievable and we’ve already had plenty of people interested.”

Teacher David Smith, the Boldon army cadet force coordinator, said: “In the catchment area for this school, pupils don’t get to do the outdoor activities like orienteering and camping and the cadets can offer all that.

“The cadets also instill into the students friendship, group work and leadership skills.

“Recruits start at age 13 or 14 and work through to becoming noncommissioned officers and can continue once they leave school if they wish to. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Sgt Abigail Dance will be in charge of the new recruits and, as a former pupil of the school, understands what the scheme will offer the students.

The 21-year-old, from Tyne Dock, South Shields, said: “I wish that they had cadets at the school when I was here as I went to Kingston Park for my training.

“Once cadets turn 16, they can obtain a BTEC diploma in either music or public service, which is the equivalent of six GCSEs.”

Student Kennedy Taylor, 13, from Boldon Colliery, has decided to join the cadets. She said: “I think it’s a really good idea and I joined because I think it will be a positive experience. The cadets all seemed really friendly and I’m looking forward to it.”

The organisation’s new detachment at Boldon School will run on a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7-9pm.