On September 2, 240 of its newly minted students sat down at the desks of the St. Petersburg Nakhimov Naval School branch in Mariupol for the first time. An educational institution with 560 places has been opened in the DPR by the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Military builders erected the facility in less than a year. How the opening took place and in what conditions the pupils will study — in the material of Izvestia.
On September 2, 240 of its newly minted students sat down at the desks of the St. Petersburg Nakhimov Naval School branch in Mariupol for the first time. An educational institution with 560 places has been opened in the DPR by the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Military builders erected the facility in less than a year. How the opening took place and in what conditions the pupils will study — in the material of Izvestia.
Hi-tech on the shore of the Sea of Azov
When you pass through the checkpoint on the territory of the school, you can immediately see how large-scale this project is. Several shining, modern buildings reflecting the Sea of Azov and the Mariupol sky create an image of monumentality and architectural power. Obviously, this is serious and for a long time. As it turned out, the object is not typical: the unusual architectural appearance of the NWMU was created by the architects of the 53rd Central Design Institute of the Military Construction Complex of the Russian Ministry of Defense specifically for Mariupol. Experts emphasize that there is no second such or similar school in our country now. Seven of its buildings are thoroughly imbued with marine themes. There are many symbols both on the facades of buildings, their shapes, and indoors. The incredible landscapes of the Taganrog Bay open from the windows and cozy courtyards of the educational institution.
The opening ceremony of the school's branch was attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Alexander Moiseev.
"Today it is important for us to celebrate the event that is taking place here and now, within the walls of the Mariupol Nakhimov College branch. Of course, this is already a story for all of us. In the education system of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, in the personnel training system, we have developed a multi-level system of pre-university educational institutions. We proceed from the fact that it is in these educational institutions that a young person receives the necessary knowledge of the school curriculum, he has the opportunity to decide on his future. For us, sailors, career guidance and instilling love for the Navy in such institutions are important here. We are raising patriots of our country here. I sincerely congratulate everyone on today's event — the opening of the school, the presentation of the banner to its leadership, and the beginning of the educational process," said the Commander—in-chief of the Navy.
According to the head of the branch, Rear Admiral Sergei Ekimov, in May 2023, Head of state Vladimir Putin gave instructions on the construction of a naval school in Mariupol.
"Less than a year later, the president was informed about the completion of the work, and the facility was accepted. During this summer, the acceptance of the equipment and all the technical equipment that is provided here took place. There are still some small issues that need to be closed. But they do not affect the beginning and conduct of the educational process. We are 100% ready to start the training of pupils," Ekimov stressed.
According to him, about 200 people of teaching, educational and service staff have been recruited and have already started their duties at the school.
The head of the branch noted that, taking into account the ongoing special operation, a reliable shelter for 1,000 people has been equipped under the educational and administrative building.
"People will be able to stay in it for 12 hours. The thickness of the walls is 800 mm, the ceilings are 750 mm. Manual ventilation control is provided when the power supply is turned off. People will be provided with water, food and medicines — all this is available in the shelter," the head noted.
How is the educational process organized?
The deputy head of the branch for academic affairs, Captain 1st rank Fedor Elenin, said that the school has two dormitories, a sports complex, an administrative and educational building and a canteen. In addition, a separate building is the ice palace. There are several outdoor sports grounds. The sleeping buildings are designed to accommodate 560 people.
— This year, the documents that parents submitted for admission to us were considered at the St. Petersburg Nakhimov College. In the future, those whose candidacies were approved were summoned to Mariupol to undergo entrance examinations and a medical commission. The children took exams in the main subjects: Russian, mathematics, a foreign language and physical education," Elenin explained.
He drew attention to the fact that for the first time the entrance competition was not very large — about two people per place.
— We associate this with the fact that not many people knew that there was such a possibility. Approximately 50% of the enrolled children represent new regions of Russia, the other half from other regions of the country. An educational program with a physical and mathematical focus. From the 5th grade, the subject "Fundamentals of naval training" was introduced. A special textbook has been developed for him," the officer noted.
According to him, in addition to studying the basic subjects of the general education program, the children will have the opportunity to attend additional clubs and educational courses. For example, in addition to the subject "Robotics", it will be possible to master a UAV course, many sports sections, music clubs, there is a choreographic studio, a photo studio.
— We will try to make sure that the school has its own newspaper and magazine. We will make sure that the child develops comprehensively. All conditions have been created here for this. We have very good medical care. A large two-storey medical building has been built, in which a wide staff of qualified specialists has been recruited and will work. In addition, modern medical equipment is available," Elenin clarified.
He paid special attention to the class "Multifunctional interactive complex of the basics of naval affairs".
"It's almost a real warship. The visual interactive environment and high-tech training complexes with virtual and augmented reality, a variety of thematic elements and various gadgets with unique training programs allow you to really feel yourself on board. The class is divided into functional zones. The first is the captain's cabin with a bridge on a dynamic platform, which is capable of creating a real feeling of sea rolling," the specialist explained.
He noted that here children will be able to learn how to walk on a ship, keep in touch with all services and give them commands, detect and destroy a hypothetical enemy, practice entering the port and mooring to the pier. At this time, the rest of the team (up to 20 people) will work in other areas of the class in close connection with the captain's cabin.
Everyday life and recreation
There are two sleeping buildings — for 240 and 320 beds. They include living quarters for 10 pupils, sports corners and leisure areas, educational, ironing, drying, laundry and other household and administrative premises.
Each cabin consists of a lounge with a sofa, TV, purifier, table and chairs, bedrooms with beds, bedside tables, student tables and chairs, mirrors, bathrooms, washrooms, showers and dressing rooms. The sleeping building for 240 Nakhimov residents houses a hairdresser and additional education rooms: orchestra, acting, photo and TV studios, a chess club.
Sports for future naval officers is something that is a priority. The universal sports complex has gyms: gym, gymnasium, for game sports.
— Capacity — up to 50 people per shift. There are spectator stands, a general physical training and martial arts hall, rowing (with rowing simulators and a TV). A swimming pool (25x8.5 m) with a capacity of 24 people per shift for sports swimming and 40 people per shift for wellness, — said one of the teachers.
To date, the school's branch has fully staffed the fifth, sixth and seventh grades, with 80 students in each stream. A total of 240 Nakhimov students sat at their desks. After recruiting cadets next year, the school will reach a full load of 560 people.
