Pupils learn new skills from the soldiers of Carver Barracks

Pupils from Wimbish Primary Academy, learnt new skills with an army experience afternoon led by a team of soldiers from Carver Barracks.

The pupils learnt about what life is like as a soldier and the skills they have to use with a special afternoon dedicated to bomb disposal, physical fitness and teamwork.

“33 Engineer Regiment EOD&S are here today to engage with the local community, in particular, Wimbish Primary Academy. These engagements provide an invaluable opportunity to inspire young minds, promote teamwork, and foster a better understanding of the role our armed forces play in supporting and protecting the nation. We are committed to building positive relationships within the local community and encouraging the next generation.”

Nicky Butcher, Interim Executive Headteacher of Wimbish Primary Academy, said, “All of the pupils and staff at Wimbish Primary Academy had a fabulous afternoon and learnt so much from the soldiers from Carver Barracks. The children loved controlling the robots to find the mines and wearing the Dive equipment. The experience was amazing and learning about what many of the children’s parents do as their day job was enriching and informative for all our pupils”.

As part of the afternoon, pupils took part in a range of different activities. The soldiers started each activity explaining and demonstrating to the pupils what the equipment was used for and why. The pupils particularly enjoyed the Physical Training session which involved completing a rather challenging obstacle course where pupils had to crawl under a rather long and heavy cargo net; balance on benches and then use their elbows to crawl along the ground in order to throw tennis balls ‘grenades’ into a trench.  They also had the opportunity to control a £80,000 robot which detects mines and weapons in and on the ground as well as try on protective equipment that is needed when either diffusing bombs under water or on the ground. At the end of the afternoon, the pupils declared it was their best experience ever!

Carver Barracks is currently home to 33 Engineer Regiment  – Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search (EOD&S) and 35 Engineer Regiment (EOD&S).