Schull Community College

LCVP : This programme is very much set in its structure. We currently operate 3 class periods in 5 year and 1 period in 6 year. LCVP is on the timetable at the same time for 5 and 6 so that we can operate a modular system of teaching the programme. This is very effective as it allows teachers (with particular strength) to teach particular parts of the programme. Careers plays an integral role in the 5 year LCVP programme and all students study the link modules.

We continue to monitor/review the LCVP programme so that it can be delivered to the students in a very effective manner

Our Visit-out to the L.E. AISLING as part of our Enterprise Education Module

Name: Rowan Finken

Aims of Visit:
To develop teamwork and communication skills
To learn about the defence force as a pathway into a career
To link this project in to my Engineering class

Preparation for Visit:
Each student undertook his or her own task. These consisted writing up permission slips, making contact with the navy and organising collection of money and purchasing thank you card.

My job was to write up the timetable. This timetable was used to inform teachers of absences and parents of our whereabouts.

The Day of the Visit:
On the proposed original date of 10/01/08 we could not attend due to bad weather. Instead we went the following day with the same plans, only with less time (1:30 – 3:45 instead of 11:30 – 3:45). We were met by the navy down at the pier. They took us by RIB to their ship, which was anchored in the harbour.

When aboard we were split into groups and each of us got a group guide. The guide for our group was the head of communication. This means he was in charge of all of the radio communication and the flag deck, so naturally our first stop on the ship was in the communications room. Here we were told about the positioning techniques and needs for communication.

Our second stop was on the flag deck, where he showed us how he uses the flags and in which situations they are used. For example if a fleet of the navy ships is motoring close together then there are a series of flags to be raised to indicate certain manoeuvres. Radio and other types of communicational signals are also sent and received form here.
Thirdly we stopped at the turrets on the starboard and port sides of the boat. These are mounted to the ship and are fired about once a month to keep them in check.
We were then shown the arms assigned to the naval workers. When they go on inspections or raids they must be equipped with the right protection or the right means to deal with possible situations, gear such as batons, hand guns and handcuffs, are used.

Finally we were shown the fire safety equipment and the precautions taken during a fire. We all got to view the different apparatus and what it was used for; I got to wear the oxygen mask and tank to see what it is like to have to have to manoeuvre in a fire situation. Sadly that was all we had time for because some of us had to catch busses home or other means of transport.