Divisions: Myth vs Reality

On Saturday, students will gather together to take part in one of our school’s most unique traditions: divisions. Many may sigh at the thought of marching around a parade square in their number one uniforms on one of their only free days of the week – but what makes it so important to our school? Is it the sudden rush to shine your shoes, sort out your divisions kit or get the final practice of marching in? To an outsider divisions might look like hundreds of students taking part in an organised walk, but for everyone on the parade, we are able to tell it is so much more. For many people in the school, Saturday will be the first time on the parade square, so what are the main misconceptions going around school about divisions?

“You’re standing still for hours” – As a Year 7, this is probably one of the most common comments you’ll hear about Divisions. However, let’s quickly put that myth to rest. Fall-in is at 10:22 and the parade finishes at 11:10, meaning that the whole event lasts less than an hour. Whilst it may feel like hours that you’re standing still it’s important to remember that there’s much more happening than simply standing still. During that time, you’ll be inspected, take part in the march past and advance in review order. Whilst your feet may disagree – it’s really not that bad.

Another famous misconception of divisions is that “Are the guard rifles actually loaded?” – this question seems to appear every year with the short answer being immediately no. The rifles are real but they are carried for ceremonial drill and tradition purposes only – no firing going on. In fact, the biggest challenge isn’t using the rifle, it’s carrying it for long periods without your arm beginning to start to give in.

A classic misconception actually comes from the alumni as they say, “It was better in our time” – was it though? Former pupils often recall perfectly aligned ranks, flawless drill movements and no one being out of line, which is hard to believe. While it is impossible to compare every parade across different generations, it’s fair to say that every group takes pride in its own Divisions and remember them through slightly rose-tinted glasses. The standards evolve, training methods change, and each year’s parade has it own strengths. In a few years’ time, the pupils marching today will probably be saying the same, “You should’ve seen Divisions when I was here”, continuing a tradition that may be older than Divisions itself.

Our tradition of divisions, reflects the school’s naval heritage and has been a key part of RHS for many generations. Founded in 1712 to support the children of seafarers, our school has maintained customs inspired by the Royal Navy.The ceremonial parade is designed to showcase our discipline, teamwork, smart turnout and pride in the school. It’s worth remembering that divisions is something that former students often talk about, whilst they hate it in the moment, you still find them coming back years later to watch.