Latest News

Young eco warriors collected bag loads of rubbish as they set about cleaning up the community.

Year 9 and 10 BTEC cadets at Burnt Mill Academy volunteered to clean up their school grounds and surrounding area.

As part of their course, they choose ways to engage with the community in a positive way.

During their work, they collected 14 bags of rubbish.

School staff instructor Sarah Mercer said: “As part of Cadet Community Engagement, the cadets get to choose how and what they wish to do to benefit the community in a positive way.

“It is fantastic to see how keen the cadets are to take responsibility for their environment.

“They are our eco warriors of the future!”

Students opt for the unique course as an alternative to the traditional GCSEs.

The bespoke cadet course created for the school saw it become the first in Essex to commit to it as a core option for students, in Year 9 and above.

At the end of the one-year course, students achieve a BTEC Level 1. If they choose to take it for a second year, they will receive advanced training and a BTEC Level 2. After a third year, students can go into a senior role in the Army Cadet Force and train younger peers with an ILM Level 3 Award in leadership and management.

With the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, the cadets also hope to carry out a litter pick at Harlow Town Park.