Building for the Future - A Special Invite to His Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Spey

This month eighteen exceptional STEM students from Year 6 received a special invite from the British Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City to visit His Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Spey of the Royal Navy, which was docked at Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City for 5 days. 

HMS Spey and 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between the UK and Vietnam 

The offshore patrol vessel visited as part of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam. The 2023 celebrations are titled The UK and Viet Nam: Building for the Future, with a focus on three main themes, of which the first is Education. So, in the year in which we celebrate our 25th anniversary, it was quite fitting that our students would be invited to join the celebrations on board the Royal ship. 

HMS Spey is the fifth and final second generation of River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels built for the Royal Navy, and the crew fondly describes the ship as “Last of class, best of class.” 

Commander Michael Proudman, HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer commented “This visit does not only represent an opportunity for us to intensify our collaboration with our Vietnamese counterparts but also underline the UK's ongoing commitment to promoting global stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

A STEM Lesson Led by Naval Engineers 

The chance to explore a working ship and talk to Royal Navy Engineers was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students to explore what STEM looks like in the real world. 

Our students had the chance to visit the engine room, the medical room, and the bridge. Some were even lucky enough to sit in the captain’s chair overlooking the ship. They heard from top navy engineers on the navigation system and some of the unique technology on board.