Tall Ships
Tall Ships
Peter Hill, who served in the Navy for 35 years from the age of 16 gave an assembly to our sixth form students about the opportunity to go on a ‘Tall Ships’ voyage this summer.
We were delighted with the response – with 30 students expressing an interest. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, this was cancelled, however it showed the sense of adventure that many in the sixth form have!
In February 2016 Ofsted said the following about Broadway Academy sixth form:
‘ The sixth form meets the 16-19 study programme requirements. Leaders focus on ensuring that learners develop socially and emotionally as well as academically. The sixth form curriculum is appropriate and meets the needs of the vast majority of learners. The qualifications they achieve enable them to take up places in higher education, training or employment. There is a wide range of enrichment activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, sports leader awards and social and business enterprise activities. Learners benefit from high quality careers information advice and guidance and take part in work experience…’
It would be wonderful to see Broadway staff and students charter a Tall Ship on one of the world’s great oceans! Peter Hill left us with a poem which he wrote when he was en route to the Antipodes in 1997.
WANDERING ALBATROSS
Grey broad-winged pilgrim
Of the Southern Ocean
What sights embrace
Your gale embattled flight?
Lone circumnavigator
Skilled in graceful motion
Over awesome, rolling seas
Of massive height.
What drives you onwards
Over trackless wastes
Who powers the energetic
Pulse within
Can you be master
Of this dreadful place
Do you know secrets
Past my mind and kin?
Grey seabird of
The Southern Ocean wild
How many winds have raised
Your sculptured span
What sailors’ tales
Are daily life to you
How many storms have bruised
Your ancient clan?
Peter Hill 1997
2018 saw Broadway’s maiden voyage with The Ocean Youth Trust, which has been repeated in 2019. These lucky groups of students made the journey to Scotland and spent a week crossing the Clyde and tackling the English Channel. Students docked at various ports around Scotland and had to call upon the Broadway values, as they found themselves having to cook, clean, navigate, steer and sail the ship themselves.
Each student learnt how to clean together daily and cook independently for 19 people aboard the ship. Once docked, they also had the opportunity to explore small Scottish towns and islands. Resilience and determination were tested throughout, as they truly learnt the value of team work and integrity, on a journey they will never forget.