Children at primary school in Heywood presented with medals and certificates at 'Passing Out Parade'

Date published: 15 February 2024

Schoolchildren at a Heywood primary school have been presented with medals and certificates as part of the UK Military School’s ‘Passing Out Parade’.

Children at Woodland Primary School were presented with the awards for successfully completing the term-length course by the Mayor of Rochdale, Mike Holly, whilst ‘Recruit of the Term’ was presented to one Year 5 pupil, Charlie.

Around 120 children from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 at Woodland Primary School began working with the UK Military School throughout the 2023 autumn term. The rest of those year groups will attend the course in the spring 2024 term.

By working with the UK Military School, children work collaboratively to develop their leadership and team building skills and to develop their resilience and determination.

The UK Military School aims to instil teamwork, leadership and discipline qualities and skills in children aged five-11 through a structured programme led by experienced military professionals.

A wide range of subjects were taught ranging from physical and mental health; team building; leadership development; science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM); and health and wellbeing, both in the classroom and outdoors.

The children worked on building go-karts, building catapults, completing obstacle courses, STEM introduction, health and wellbeing and many more tasks. Each session also involved command training, where the children learnt specific commands which they showcased at their passing out parade.

The partnership came about to complement and further Woodland’s aim to provide its children with “diverse opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom learning” as well as equipping them to thrive in the future. Woodland also has a commitment to promoting STEM education and foster leadership skills in its pupils.

Headteacher Joanne Cunningham said: “We are genuinely excited about the fabulous enhancement and enrichment opportunities that working in partnership with UK Military School is providing for our children here at Woodland.

“We are already seeing the impact of how these activities are furthering the potential of every child who takes part. Pupil, staff and parent/carer voice also supports this with all stakeholders sharing our enthusiasm in support of us in making this significant step in our children’s personal development and growth.”

Mrs Cunningham continued: “The children have worked so hard and we are so very proud of them all. We wanted to celebrate their success, with a ‘Passing Out Parade’ and invited the Mayor to do the honour of presenting the children with their medals.

“This enabled us to showcase the exemplary dedication and commitment of our children and what better way to do this, than to have a momentous occasion to celebrate with the Mayor of Rochdale attending.

“In the words of our children: ‘a real life Mayor is actually coming to our school!’”

Wayne Forsyth, managing director of the UK Military School, said: “The programme was received extremely well by the schoolteachers, parents but most of all the children. 

“Throughout the programme the children were awarded medals and certificates for their achievements and hard work.

“Over the past four months working with Woodland Primary School and engaging with the local community and children has been amazing, and I believe that the partnership and bond that we have will grow even stronger.”