Ascension : HRH Prince Edward Visits Two Boats School
Submitted by The Islander (Soo Matthews) 21.06.2007 (Article Archived on 05.07.2007)
School life got underway half an hour earlier than normal on Tuesday as there was a very special visitor expected to arrive for a short visit. There were a lot of sleepy looking children around school.
The plane had arrived and the guests were up at the residency having breakfast as we all waited patiently. The theme of the assembly was to be Two Boats School’s 40th birthday this year. Eddie and Coral had come up to school to help us with the presentations to HRH Prince Edward and were waiting nervously in the office.
Parents were sitting with cameras at the ready to capture the moment. When we got the call that Prince Edward was not going to be able to make it to school after all we decided to go up to the road to wave as the cars went past but we were just a little bit too late.
The school day got underway with years 5, 6 and 9 starting their SATs exams. A short while later we had a call to say the plane was delayed and HRH Prince Edward would be visiting us after all. Messages were sent round to all the classes and a greeting party formed.
Prince Edward spent about an hour at the school and saw every year group in action either in the classrooms or at break time. He spent time talking to each class and asking questions about what they were learning. In Reception class he saw the children using the interactive whiteboards and finding Ascension on a map of the world. It wasn’t really visible in amongst all that blue sea!
In year 5 and 6 classroom the children presented HRH Prince Edward with some mementoes of his visit including an aerial view of Ascension (Thanks to Mr & Mrs Knowles for this.), a small wooden turtle, a Two Boats School pin and memory stick. Prince Edward impressed the class by showing his local knowledge by identifying where Georgetown and Two Boats were on the photo. He handed these over to Lisa his assistant for safe keeping.
From here it was up to the senior school where the children were on their break. Much time was spent discussing football teams and who the children supported and why. Prince Edward showed a real interest in what it was like being at school here and was impressed with the facilities we have.
After a look around the senior school it was back through the hall for a quick chat with the staff and more photo opportunities. All too soon it was time for the party to depart for another cup of tea at the Residency and for the school day to get underway again.
See our roving reporters’ thoughts on the visit on the next page.
ROYAL VISIT
During the early morning of Tuesday 12 June 2007, Teachers and Pupils at Two Boats School experienced both disappointment and excitement. Everyone had been in school earlier than usual that morning, as it had been planned that HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex would make a short visit to the school during his stopover on the way to the Falkland Islands. However, shortly after the aircraft carrying the Prince landed at Wideawake Airfield, it became obvious that, due to deteriorating weather conditions in the Falkland Islands, the stopover time would only be for an hour and the school visit would have to be cancelled. Cancellation of the visit was relayed to the school where it was accepted with great disappointment.
At approximately 8.15 am the Prince’s motorcade arrived back at the Airhead. The Prince was ushered into the departure lounge to view various displays that had been prepared by the Heritage Society, Paul Knowles and AIG’s Conservation Department. During his viewing of the displays and chatting with various dignitaries that were present, it became obvious that, due to refuelling problems, flight departure was going to be delayed by an hour or more. In view of this, an immediate decision was taken to reschedule the school visit. The Headmistress was informed that the visit would now take place and the Royal party departed for the school.
At the school Prince Edward was met and welcomed by the Head Teacher, Ms Soo Matthews, and give a guided tour of the school. The Prince was able to observe classrooms in session and speak with teachers and pupils. A number of presentations were also made to him by pupils at the school. After nearly an hour at the school, the Prince took his departure at about 10.20am.
It is clear from everyone involved that HRH Prince Edward’s visit to the Two Boats School was both an exciting and memorable one, as the pictures accompanying this article clearly depict.
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