Aldworth welcomes British Transport Police Cadet Unit

On Tuesday 7th March, Aldworth school officially welcomed the British Transport Police Cadet Unit to the school.

Seventeen students from Year 9, 10 and 11 proudly accepted their certificates and epaulettes from the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane at a ceremony held in Aldworth. The special occasion was also attended by Sergeant Tony Freeman, BTP Cadet Unit lead who presented certificates of recognition to the Cadet Unit Leaders, Mrs. I Williams and colleagues Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Brandom and Ms. Fitzgerald. Members of the Aldworth Senior Leadership Team, family and friends of the cadets joined in the celebrations.

The BTP cadet unit in Aldworth is the first school based unit in the country and only one of five units in total in England. The unit meets weekly after school to learn about how British Transport Police work. To date the cadets have learned about community policing, reporting road traffic accidents and have seen the inside of a BTP vehicle with a cell for holding prisoners. In November, the unit participated in the Remembrance Parade held at War Memorial Park. The cadets have also supported fellow students at events held in school which included the Christmas Concert and Matilda the Musical productions.

Sergeant Freeman remarked “ It was fantastic to see our cadets on parade and to recognise the superb work of our cadet leaders”.

Mr Rice, Headteacher of Aldworth said: “It was a wonderful occasion for the cadets to show off their uniform and their appreciation for the unit and fellow cadets. The smiles said it all on the night”.

In the coming months, the cadets will plant trees on the school grounds as part of the Queen’s Canopy project. As well as this, trips are planned to visit the Fire Station in Basingstoke and receive representatives from the BTP Disruption Unit.

“We look forward to what the future holds for the unit and we welcome students from Y9 upwards who are interested in making a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others” said Mrs. Williams, Cadet Leader in her final address.