Earl of Wessex visits Castle Manor Academy in Haverhill

The Earl of Wessex is introduced to school staff and guests. Picture: GOODERHAM PR (Image: Archant)

The Earl of Wessex was given a tour of Castle Manor Academy and heard about the outdoor learning opportunities offered to students as well as the school’s work with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).

The royal was shown around the academy’s outdoor learning space, including the new silkie chicken raising area and the school orchard and fruit garden.

Vanessa Whitcombe, Castle Manor Academy headteacher, said: “We were very excited to welcome HRH The Earl of Wessex and share with him all of the excellent things that we do at the school.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to have such a prestigious visitor come and see our school and our community.”

Excited Castle Manor Academy students. Picture: GOODERHAM PR (Image: Archant)

Community leaders were invited into the school for a special reception, which included refreshments prepared by Castle Manor’s catering team while head boy and girl, Josh Travies and Melody Bray, spoke to Prince Edward about the school’s ethos.

Head girl Melody, 15, from Haverhill, said: “I was very excited to speak to him about some of our school trips and about the duties of head girl.

“He was very polite and easy to talk to. I think the visit has been great for the whole school.”

The prince also met the school’s DofE participants who exhibited their camp and bushcraft skills, while children from the on-site Sandcastle Nursery showed off their work.

Mrs Whitcombe added: “I would like to say a special thanks to Becky Baldwin who puts so much time and energy into making outdoor learning a fantastic experience for our children - and the work of Sandcastle Nursery for capturing a love of the outdoors at such a young age.”