Education for the Military - Issue 11 by Education for the Military Ltd

www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk @educationmat - Issue 11

SCOUTS SKILLS FOR LIFE

RAF RED ARROWS TO FLY OVER PRIDE IN LONDON - MoD

UNIVERSITIES STATE BOARDING SCHOOLS’ ASSOCIATION

HELPING BOARDERS

COPE WITH EXAMS

GETTING THE MOST

OUT OF YOUR FUNDING - ELCAS

AUTISM AND THE MILITARY CHILD

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Nu se y to unive sity

Clifton College is a leading day and boarding school in Bristol for girls and boys aged 2-18. Our inspirational teaching and focused individual care helps our pupils achieve their full potential both in and out of the classroom. Clifton College has a rich and established heritage with the British Armed Forces and the families that serve within it. For more than 150 years the College has provided a base for the children of serving Forces personnel.

To find out more visit cliftoncollege.com Or book a personal visit with our Admissions team on 0117 405 8417 *Source: The Daily Telegraph, Saturday 22 August 2015

>CONTENTS NEWS

Rockport School DISCOUNTS

A Learning Adventure

> MoD

> WARMINSTER SCHOOL

RAF Red Arrows to fly over Pride in London

Pupil Inspired to fundraise for WWTW

FOR

HM FORCES

Small class sizes

Excellent academic results Individual pastoral care Preparation for 11+, Common Entrance and Sixth Form entry VERY competitive fees

FEATURES 10

> ADOPTION - SSAFA

> THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION

> BOARDING SCHOOLS - SBSA

> FAITH SCHOOLS

> COMBINED CADET FORCE

> SEN - SPECTRUM SUCCESS

> UNIVERSITIES

Serving Personnel make ideal adoptive parents for vulnerable youngsters

Skills for Life & Changing Lives

Helping Boarders cope with Exams

Barnard Castle School

Autism and the Military Child

- UDOL - From Soldier to Operations Director

SPECIAL THANKS TO: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, SBSA, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, The RSH Trust, MoD, Aartic Training Group, The British Training Board, Warminster School, SSAFA, University of Essex Online, The Scout Association, Barnard Castle School, Spectrum Success, Dent Wizard Ventures, Worth School, UDOL, Bangor University, DofE & all advertisers. IMAGES BY: Professional-Images, (Front Cover) & thanks to all other image contributors. PUBLISHED BY: © Education for the Military Ltd FOLLOW US: @educationmat @fighthroughmag

- University of Essex Online - Completing Assignments while on Assignment (P32-33)

> FRANCHISING

> ELCAS

Finding the right opportunity for you!

Getting the most out of your funding

CONTACT US: ADDRESS: Education for the Military Ltd, Arrow Business Centre, 14 Foyle Street, Sunderland, SR1 1LE TELEPHONE: 0191 691 1958

INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL, 3 - 18 Rockport School, Craigavad, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0DD

Rockport-halfpage-87x260-jan2016.indd 1 I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk 07/01/2016 17:16 04 I Education for the Military

EDITOR: Joanne Nattress: joanne@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk ADVERTISING: Kris Bhudoye: kris@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk DESIGN: CS Design - chris@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk © Education for the Military Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors and omissions. No responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for any claims made by the advertisers in this publication.

soldierscharity.org

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the British Army’s National Charity since 1944. We help thousands of soldiers, former soldiers and their families each year. It is thanks to the continued support of people like you that we are able to be there, year after year, for all those who need us.

Text ARMY8 to 70004 and send us a £3 donation. Increase your donation by texting ARMY8 £5 or ARMY8 £10.* Thank you for your kind support.

*Text costs your donation amount plus network charge. ABF The Soldiers’ Charity receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Customer care 020 7901 8900

> NEWS: MoD

RAF RED ARROWS TO FLY OVER PRIDE IN LONDON The Red Arrows will fly over Pride in London for the first time at this year’s parade in a show of support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and LGBT Armed Forces personnel.

ine jets from the worldrenowned Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team will perform a red, white and blue flypast for thousands at the event on Saturday, 25 June. It will be the first time that the Red Arrows have flown over a Pride parade. The Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force and represent the United Kingdom and its Armed Forces, both at home and overseas. The flypast marks a busy day for the team who will also display at the national Armed Forces Day event in Cleethorpes, north-east Lincolnshire. Much work has been undertaken in recent years to improve diversity and inclusion across defence. This year the Royal Navy was named one of UK’s top 10 LGBT-friendly employers, according to Stonewall. The

British Army also retained its place in Stonewall’s top 50 list. Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “This flypast by the RAF Red Arrows is important as it embodies the huge progress made by the military in recent years to ensure our Armed Forces reflect society. All three Services are now among the most inclusive workplaces for LGBT employees and will support Pride in London.” Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, will be flying at the front of the nine-aircraft formation over the Pride event. He said: “The Red Arrows are honoured to feature as a part of this year’s Pride in London. “The flypast will illustrate the team’s role representing both the United Kingdom and also the dedicated, skilled and talented people

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drawn from all backgrounds serving across our Armed Forces. “Hopefully all those attending Pride in London will be inspired by the flypast and enjoy the occasion.” Rob Anderson, Operations Director, Pride in London, said: “Pride in London is delighted to accept the offer of a flypast by the Red Arrows. As the UK’s largest LGBT event, we are very excited to be the first Pride festival to be treated to a flypast, and look forward to them being part of the celebrations. “Our Armed Forces have a great history of engagement in Pride and the crowds of spectators really enjoy seeing them. As the Red Arrows fly overhead, it is fitting that this year they’ll be led by the Royal Air Force.” More than 200 defence personnel are expected to march in this year’s Pride in London parade.

> NEWS: WARMINSTER SCHOOL

WARMINSTER SCHOOL PUPIL INSPIRED TO FUNDRAISE FOR WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED PROVIDED BY: Warminster School

Last year, Warminster School was delighted to welcome and host the Walking With The Wounded Team and support crew on their inspirational Walk Of Britain journey that finished at Buckingham Palace on 1st November. The walk saw six wounded veterans walk over 1,000 miles through mainland UK. The WWTW Team ‘boarded’ with Warminster overnight on day 46 of their 1,000 mile challenge and gave an amazing thought-provoking presentation to pupils, parents and staff who had come along to support. One of the pupils in the audience, Sixth Former Charlotte Brumby was inspired to do more for the charity and has modelled her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) around helping WWTW further. A Level pupils at Warminster School are encouraged to take the EPQ as it promotes independent learning and involves investigating a topic of choice in depth. The EPQ is a substantial piece of individual work which can be in the form of a dissertation, extensive investigation, artefact, performance or event. It allows pupils to increase their depth of learning in an area of the curriculum of their choice and above all stresses the importance of skills such as: independent research, reflective learning, critical thinking, planning and organisation. Charlotte, at the early stages of planning for her event commented, “I wanted to use my EPQ time wisely by supporting something I felt strongly about. I enjoyed meeting the inspirational WWTW team when they visited Warminster on their

Walk Of Britain Expedition last year and it inspired me to do something more. The plan for my EPQ is to organise a fundraising Gala Dinner to highlight awareness for and about the good work that WWTW is involved in. The Gala Dinner will be held on the 16 September and I am also delighted that Edward Parker, the Co-Founder of WWTW has agreed to be the Guest of Honour for my event. I hope to organise an enjoyable evening for everyone with as much of the proceeds as possible going towards WWTW.” Edward Parker founded Walking With The Wounded with Simon Daglish in 2010 after his nephew was severely injured, losing both of his legs. Edward spent 10 years in the army, serving in the First Battalion Royal Green Jackets, stationed in the UK and Germany and seeing operational service in Northern Ireland. WWTW’s mission is to fund the re-training and re-education of servicemen and women, both veterans and those leaving The Armed Forces today. WWTW finance new qualifications, education and training programmes for those who are injured, to help with their career transition. This enables the blind, the burn victims, the mentally injured, the amputees and all the other wounded to rebuild their lives and to return to the workplace.

Edward commented: “I am always thrilled when a first contact with our beneficiaries inspires a fund-raising initiative like this. Charlotte’s efforts are hugely appreciated and I am very much looking forward to being at this super Gala Dinner on 16 September. With the money raised, we will be able to continue to do the vital work we are doing to support them back into the workplace after they leave the military. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone supporting Charlotte to organise her dinner, and Good Luck!” Edward Parker, Co-Founder Walking With The Wounded There are sponsorship opportunities available to ensure funds raised at this event go towards assisting WWTW’s mission. Funds to host the Gala Dinner will be raised by holding small scale events, securing sponsorship and an auction. Donations for the auction are gratefully received for this cause.

If you would like to attend or support this event: please contact Charlotte Brumby: 10cbrum@mywarminster.org.uk

> NEWS

HEADMASTERS’ HEROICS HELP LOCAL VILLAGE RAISE £10,000 PROVIDED BY: Warminster School

Polar explorer Henry Worsley was due to give a lecture in the Wiltshire village of Horningsham earlier this month on his expedition during which he planned to travel over 1,000 miles on foot to the South Pole, but he died of organ failure in January, having had to give up just 30 miles from the finish line.

rganiser Ros Algar, with the help of new speakers Mark Mortimer, Headmaster of Warminster School and Julian Thomas, Master of Wellington College, continued to bring together a sell-out lecture and fantastic auction said, “We are so grateful to Mark and Julian. We thank them for gallantly standing in and giving their thrilling lecture. A huge heartfelt thank you to all who have donated to and supported this important event. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of friends, family and the local community. It was a wonderful evening for the village, paying tribute to Henry and I am delighted that we have raised almost £10,000 for the Henry Worsley Playground Appeal.” Mark and Julian who had originally bought tickets to listen to Henry’s talk, offered to take his place and tell of their own adventures so that fundraising could continue for this local cause.

The audience were treated to an entertaining double-act as Mark and Julian recounted interesting, amusing and sometimes quite terrifying stories from their adventures. Mark rowed across the Atlantic in 1997 in 75 days with a fellow army officer in the inaugural trans-Atlantic rowing race and entered the very first solo race in 2004, in which he capsized after 35 days at sea. It was an eventful crossing; the watermaker broke down on Day 2 and never worked again, they ran out of food and had to stop a container ship for resupply and for a week a tropical storm pushed them backwards. In addition, unlike today’s ocean rowers, they had no means of communication with the outside world. Convinced that the demands of the crossing had been more mental than physical and intrigued by the prospect of rowing alone, Mark entered the very first solo race in 2004. After 35 days at sea, he capsized at night in mountainous seas. Julian, interviewed Mark for a job in

08 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

> Warminster School Headmaster, Mark Mortimer (Left) with Julian Thomas, Master of Wellington College (Right)

2006 and heard then about his rowing exploits. The discussion rekindled his childhood dream to follow in the footsteps of Captain Scott. Last year, 38 years after first planning the expedition as a 9 year old, he achieved his goal, trekking from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. Julian spoke about the physical and mental challenges of spending time in the beautiful but brutal continent. Following the fascinating lecture, there was much applause from the audience and Mark and Julian were each presented with a copy of Henry Worsley’s book ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ to thank them for bridging the huge gap. Guests then enjoyed a wonderful three course supper prepared by Alex Rall, Head of Catering at Warminster School and wines donated by local suppliers, served by the organiser’s children and friends. The evening ended with a fantastic and fastpaced auction. Two of Ros’s children, Georgia and Fraser presented Ros with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and thanked her on behalf of the village for all her incredible efforts for organising and hosting such a wonderful evening. The entire evening was a tremendous tribute to former village resident, Henry and the packed village hall payed their respects as they raised their glasses to Henry with a whisky toast, his favourite tipple. Henry will long be remembered by the village and friends of Horningsham.

> NEWS

VETERAN SUPPORT BUSINESS EXPANDS TEAM A Swansea-based social enterprise business that provides training and qualifications to ex-Forces personnel has hired two new members of staff as the firm continues to grow.

artic Training Group and The British Training Board, partner companies set up by brothers Antony and Adrian Rabey who each served for over 20 years in the Army, have hired an administrator and regional sales manager to support the growth of the companies. Jade Pike, aged 22 from St Thomas, has been hired as an administrator to manage members registered with the companies and handle new enquires. Matteo Neilson, aged 37 from Bridgend, will be selling the companies’ services to organisations with over 250 employees, to assist with managing their recruitment needs through skills mapping and training services.

Adrian Rabey, CEO of The British Training Board, said: “The companies have grown more than expected over the past year and with how busy we’ve been over recent months, we needed more resources, which is why we’ve brought Jade and Matteo on board. We’ve seen the number of members registered for our services increase by 40 percent over the last five months, which has led to a substantial amount of administrative work needing to be managed. Jade has hit the ground running and is proving her worth with the administrative side of the business as we grow. “Because of the rise in interest in what we can do for those who are leaving or

> Jade Pike (Centre/Left) & Matt Neilson (Centre/Right) pictured with Anthony Rabey of Aartic Training Group and Adrain Rabey of The British Training Board have already left the Forces, as well as others who are seeking employment, there was a need for additional support in the sales management team. We are now reaching as many people as we can who want training or qualifications recognised with Matteo’s sales skills. “The business is in a very healthy position at the moment and it’s likely we will need further team members in the near future as a result.”

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> ADOPTION: SSAFA

SERVING PERSONNEL MAKE IDEAL ADOPTIVE PARENTS FOR VULNERABLE YOUNGSTERS Servicemen and women make exceptional adoptive parents, according to Armed Forces charity SSAFA. Formerly the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association, SSAFA runs the only national adoption agency catering specifically for members of the Armed Forces and has placed 18 children with military families in the last year.

lthough postings, deployments and misconceptions about the military lifestyle can put service families looking to adopt at a disadvantage, SSAFA says they actually have significant strengths and are particularly well-placed to parent vulnerable children who have had a difficult start in life. SSAFA Adoption Service Manager Corienne Strange said: “At SSAFA we specialise in finding families for older children and sibling groups and we find military families make ideal parents for some of the most vulnerable young people. People in the Forces tend to be resilient, tenacious and resourceful. More often than not they also have a can-do attitude, a sense of humour and an ability to assist children who have experienced difficulties, all excellent qualities in a potential adopter.”

Although service life can make it difficult for partners to pursue a career, being able to offer the stability of a home-based parent for children is a distinct advantage for couples seeking to adopt. Many Forces families live behind the wire and are also able to provide a secure home environment where there are safeguarding concerns. Additionally schools in military areas have a wealth of experience when it comes to supporting new arrivals. Whilst potential prospective adopters can apply to local agencies, SSAFA’s expert adoption team understands the unique challenges of military life and is well-placed to guide and support service families through the adoption process and beyond. Regular postings and deployments can make it difficult for serving personnel to adopt through local authorities but by offering a nationwide service SSAFA is

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able to support families through the entire process no matter where they move and no matter how long it takes. Ms Strange added: “Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to help ensure that serving personnel have the same opportunity to be assessed as adoptive parents as anyone else. We are always looking for people who can offer children, including groups of two or more siblings, a loving and supportive family for life. “There is so much support available to Forces families when they adopt. SSAFA staff work with their employers to ensure housing and educational needs are met and we also offer a wide range of extra support to adoptive families including practical help and assistance from local volunteers on the ground, and a dedicated post-adoption Social Worker who adopters can speak to at any stage in their post-placement journey.” Louise and Richard, who served in the Army, adopted a three-year-old girl through SSAFA. Louise said: “We had considered adoption for a number of years and after seeing the successful placement of children with a family member, decided this was the way we wanted to grow our family. “We were concerned that a local authority may not understand the military lifestyle so SSAFA was the ideal choice for us because they were aware of the support and stability that a military family could provide an adopted child. “Our daughter has been with us almost a year now and the time has gone by so quickly. She has settled in very well and is a happy little girl. As with every family, there are good and bad days, some that take more patience than others but those special moments are priceless.” There is no typical adoptive parent. SSAFA works with a wide range of people, providing homes for children with a range of needs. Some children have had many moves and can find it difficult to trust adults. Potential adopters need to be able to offer a family environment that is safe, stable and loving, empathise with a child, handle difficult situations, be patient and calm and have fun. SSAFA is particularly keen to speak to people who can consider adopting single children who are aged three and upwards and brothers and sisters of all ages who need to be adopted together.

If you would like to find out more please contact the SSAFA Adoption Service on 020 7463 9326, email adoption@ssafa.org. uk or visit www.ssafa.org.uk

ADOPT WITH SSAFA SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a registered adoption agency. We are particularly good at placing brothers and sisters together in loving military families. TO FIND OUT MORE Call 020 7463 9326 or email adoption@ssafa.org.uk Visit ssafa.org.uk/adoption

Registered charity No.210760 and SCO38056. Established 1885. JOB REF:S094.0216

> THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION

SKILLS FOR LIFE Scouting is changing lives and helping young people develop confidence and character. Chris James, Brand Adviser at The Scout Association puts on his scarf and joins his son at a Cub Pack meeting to find out how.

y eight year old son Noah is teaching me map reading. He unfolds an Ordnance Survey map the size of himself across the floor, them walks me through the basics. It’s a cold Thursday night in February and I’ve come along to his Cub Scout Pack as a parent helper. ‘These are the eastings, dad’ he tells me, pointing towards the horizontal blue lines. ‘Or if it’s easier to remember, you can say “along the corridor.” Then these are the northings, or you can also so “up the stairs.” You always have to say it in that order. Now see if you can find Manor Farm without my help.’ Cubs is for eight to ten and half year olds, and there’s a good mix of boys and girls here this evening. They’re still breathless from a game of ‘North and South’ which involved them flying from one of the hall to other, having a huge amount of fun, while learning the points of the compass. The theme of the night, unsurprisingly is navigation. In their small groups, they’re now putting their learning into practice.

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LEARNING BY DOING: ‘This is what we call learning by doing,’ says Ali, the leader. ‘When they have a go themselves, much more goes in than if we just told them what to do. You wait for the ‘penny drop’ moment and it’s inspiring to see them happen. The method certainly seems to be working. Noah, who can be very lively and easily distracted is totally absorbed and having mastered his new skill, is proudly passing it on to the other Cubs, as well as me. Activities and ‘penny drop moments’ like these take place every week in 7,000 Scout Groups across the UK and in many more across the world, including those run for British military families overseas. And it’s not just traditional skills on offer – in the last few weeks, Noah has made and tasted food from around the world for his International badge, sang in a residential home for his Community Impact badge and has learned how to dress a wound as part of his Emergency Aid training. There’s also creative and digital badges too, and Noah even made headlines, when the videos he drew and narrated himself became a YouTube hit and won a Third Sector’s magazine award. This eclectic mix of activities (which in Scouting we call ‘Everyday Adventure’) is designed to help young people discover new talents, build confidence and self-esteem.

CHARACTER SKILLS: Noah is not alone. Today here are now 450,000 young people aged 6-25 enjoying the challenge and adventure of Scouts and a quarter of members are now female. While the emphasis is on fun and informal learning, Scouting has very real impact on children’s future prospects – by learning to take risks in a safe environment, they are developing those soft skills so vital to succeed in an increasingly competitive world. According to a recent PACEC survey, 88% of youth members and 91% of volunteers say that Scouting has helped them develop key skills. Young people in Scouting regularly take on leadership roles and work as part of a team and we know this developing their initiative, independence and resilience. For them, it’s about the friendship, laughter and

unwinding after a day at school, but what perhaps they don’t realise is that they are picking up skills that will stay with them for life. Over a hundred years ago, Baden-Powell, the Scout Movement’s Founder said: ‘The outdoors is the real point of Scouting and the key to its success.’ This is as true today as ever. Children like Noah respond brilliantly to the freedom of the outdoors, expressing themselves more openly. They talk more, they laugh more. Their creativity shoots up. Watch what a group of children will do when left with a pile of sticks. Soon there will be dens, shelters and bows and arrows and games that have no names yet. They naturally organise themselves assigning roles. At the Scouts, we realise that childhood is a finite thing. It’s too precious to squander on hours playing computer games. Canoeing down a river, wading through a river gorge or navigating at night can be among the most thrilling experiences of a young person’s childhood.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE But this can only happen if we have enough adult volunteers. If you’re passionate about the outdoors and want to support young people, then it’s easy to volunteer on a flexible basis. Nothing is more inspiring for young people than a walk in the mountains or seeing unselfish behaviour in adults. www.scouts.org.uk/get-involved Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 13

> STATE BOARDING

WHAT DO YOUR CHILDREN SAY ABOUT SCHOOLS?

WRITTEN BY: Colonel R A Field-Smith MBE MA, Chairman, Royal School Hampstead Trust

I recently attended a SCISS (Service Children in State Schools) Conference, and this set me thinking. A theme running through the day was the effect on children of the particular pressures on parents of military service, combined with the frequency of moves, and accompanied lack of certainty and continuity.

t is certainly good news that many Services children perform as well, and sometimes better, than their peers from non-military families, and often display a well-developed maturity and self-confidence. It is important that these sort of outcomes are not ignored, and that the benefits to children of being in a Services environment are celebrated. But it is also true that the Services experience places an additional strain on

children. From a young age, often at preschool or nursery, they have to face moves of home and school, resulting in a whole set of changes – for example, surroundings, class groups, teachers, and daily routine. There are also the emotional effects associated with the challenges presented by the military life style such as difficulties forming attachments, making friends and general levels of resilience. All these issues mean that Service Children are more vulnerable

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to anxiety and stress. This highlights the importance of building emotional resilience and coping strategies among children and young people experiencing heightened levels of anxiety. Parents, schools and the military community generally work hard to compensate for all of this, through clear explanation and extra support. Local Education Authorities with a high proportion of pupils from Services families, such as Wiltshire and North Yorkshire, have introduced “champions” for such children, allied to training for staff in emotional support. The Royal School Hampstead Trust already provides financial grants to individual children and young people to help offset educational disadvantages resulting from being a Services dependent. We are now looking to expand our support to providing grants to schools, colleges and local authorities where they need more than can be provided by normal funding or the pupil premium available from the Ministry of Defence. So far we have listened to the cases presented by teachers and local officials for help, and are currently funding a few projects to test our ability to work collaboratively to assist Services children to cope more confidently with the challenges they face. What we have not yet heard from are Services children and young people themselves. So we are inviting them, through their parents reading this, or you directly, now to tell us about their or your experiences of living in a military environment and attending schools or colleges with children and young people from the wider civilian community. We want to learn directly from children and young people, whom we know will say it as it is, freed from political and career constraints. Consider for example these questions: “What are the benefits of being a Services child in a school or college?” “What things about moving around and experiencing different schools and colleges cause you most difficulty or unhappiness?” “What should schools and colleges do differently to help Services children?” “Who helped you cope with the changes?” There may be other topics you want to cover – the choice is yours.

Please mail us at admin@ rshtrust.com with your stories – no more than 500 words – and there will be a cash prize or two for the best. We will not publish or quote anything we receive without specific permission, but we hope we will be able to share something of what we receive.

> ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL

A FORCES-FRIENDLY STATE SCHOOL 30 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL LONDON? WHERE DO I APPLY?

t George’s School Harpenden, one of England’s most prestigious state schools, has a thriving state boarding house with capacity to take additional students both now and for September 2015 and 2016. St. George’s is a high intensity place. Ranked outstanding in every category by Ofsted in September 2014, the school as a whole sets the benchmark for quality in state education. For the last 5 years, St Georges has ranked in the Top Ten state comprehensive schools for students achieving 5A* to C Grades at GCSE. St Georges came top of the national league tables for expected progress in GCSE Maths in 2014. Our sixth form students consistently rank in the top 10% for A-Level average points scored compared with all schools and colleges in England. Yet while this offer is incredibly hard to access for day school places, leading to a big price premium on properties in the area surrounding the school, boarding places are available and accessible for only around £10,000 a year. Parents pay only for board and lodging. Day school education is funded by the state. One problem we have at St George’s is that people even locally often confuse us with an independent school. In part this is because of the excellent academic outcomes – but also because of the public face of the school and its extra-curricular

offer. Students play rugby to a very high level – George Ford and Owen Farrell both came here. Our girls play lacrosse to national standard, as one of only three state schools to do so. St George’s has its own closed ACF detachment, and very strong links with the military. For the last seven years, the school has taken part enthusiastically in the Soldiers’ Charity Big Curry Day and our own “Great Curry Run”. Visiting forces units over the past few years have included the Army Air Corps; Household Cavalry; Parachute Regiment; The Rifles; the Royal Anglian Regiment, and Royal Tank Regiment; and so on. With a historic ethos of Christian service dating back to 1907, the school has tapped into student enthusiasm and commitment to raise nearly £150,000 for the Soldiers’ Charity; and this has helped to establish a military minded ethos such that significant numbers of ex-students now go on to serve, most recently in the Rifles and Royal Engineers. St. George’s Harpenden has quality written all over it. One of our Deputy Head’s summed up, “Eight years ago when my first daughter was applying to be a day student here, I got an ulcer worrying about whether she would get in. I could not have coped with experiencing day to day the exceptional quality we offer our students if my daughter was elsewhere in a “normal” school. I would have had to leave, much as I love every bit of it.”

“With a historic ethos of Christian service dating back to 1907, the school has tapped into student enthusiasm and commitment to raise nearly £150,000 for the Soldiers’ Charity...” ST GEORGE’S SSCHOOL CHO O L

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Welcoming service families for over 100 years St George’s is a school where students pleaseseeour website: live in a cosy, traditional boarding house. canFor learn inmoreinformation an exceptional environment and St George’s School was OFSTED rated “Outstanding” in Sept 2014 and is based close to London and regional airports; just half an hour from ENQUIRE NOWABOUT ENTRY SEPTEMBER 2014 For St Pancras train IN station.

www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk Member of SBSA – Termly Fees currently £3,650 For application forms and further information please email: boardingadmissions@stgeorges.herts.sch.uk or call 01582 716256 or visit our website: www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

> SBSA NEWS

HELPING BOARDERS COPE WITH EXAMS WRITTEN BY: State Boarding Schools’ Association

With GCSEs and A-Level exams, the summer term can be a testing time for youngsters. While most pupils rely on their parents for support, what happens to those youngsters who board at the 38 state boarding schools across the UK?

A >Credit: Wymondham College

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16 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

s well as providing excellent all-round education, the 38 member schools of the State Boarding Schools’ Association (SBSA) offer exceptional pastoral care, something that is essential during exams. Here we speak to two headmasters about the support they offer to pupils to during exam season. Gary Hickey, Headmaster at Adams’ Grammar School in Shropshire explained that it was important to build pupils self-confidence outside of lessons. He said: “By committing to an activity or sport outside of the classroom pupils learn about the benefits of hard work and discipline whilst doing something they love. Lessons that can be applied to their academic subjects.” Another tactic the school uses to help reduce stress whilst helping pupils achieve the best results is a set revision timetable. “Boarders at Adams’ do two hours of prep every night, all together in the library supervised by tutors. This produces real tangible results and time isn’t wasted. When boys don’t understand something, there are always tutors or fellow pupils around to help.” At Wymondham College, the largest State Boarding School in the country, staff try to nurture pupils and instil self-confidence and belief while helping them to see exams as part of a longer

journey. Pupils are encouraged to focus on long-term goals such as college or university as this will help them to see why the exams are important and remain focussed. They also teach pupils that life has ups and downs and that exams will help them to cope with these challenges and be resilient. Most importantly, Principal Jonathan Taylor said that on exam day, a positive mind set is everything: “We encourage pupils to remember that preparation is important – we tell them to think about what each exam requires from you and study accordingly, but also to think through scenarios and how they will cope if things don’t go perfectly for example if they have a bad night’s sleep. We also tell them to think about what they have done to prepare, rather than what they haven’t done.” Exams are often the first time that youngsters face worry or stress, but by helping to nurture self-confidence, support learning and look after pupil wellbeing, state boarding schools help reduce anxiety and increase the exam performance of the pupils in their care.

For advice on applying for state boarding or for more information, visit www.sbsa.org.uk where you can also download a free Parent’s Guide.

KNIGHTON HOUSE HOME FROM HOME Day & Boarding for girls 7-13 / Pre-prep for boys and girls 3-7 ]

A home from home for children of military families

]

100% entry to first choice senior schools

]

Excellent scholarship results

]

Full weekend programme of activities

]

School fees fixed at CEA + 10%

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Becoming part of this wonderful school is like extending your family and putting down roots for your children.â&#x20AC;? Brigadier Tim Robinson

Watch our school film at www.knightonhouse.co.uk, then come and see this magical place for yourself. Call 01258 452065 or email admissions@knightonhouse.co.uk. Knighton House School, Durweston, Dorset DT11 0PY.

Educating for Confidence from Nursery to Sixth Form ly i le k b x e e e la W d Fl vai an ng A di r a o B

Registered Charity number: 307048

Farlington School has boarders from age 8 to 18. Younger students live in the new Junior Boarding House, Fishponds, a self-contained house with kitchen, living room and facilities for 12 boarders. Older students live in the main Mansion House. Farlington is a first-class independent girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; day and boarding school located on the West Sussex/Surrey border, just outside Horsham. It provides an excellent all-round education for up to 400 girls aged 3-18 with a co-educational Nursery. If you would like to attend an open event or arrange a personal tour of the school to meet the Headmistress, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Sue Apps, on 01403 282 573 or visit our website:

www.farlingtonschool.net

Independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3 to 18 with a co-educational Nursery

Farlington School | Horsham | West Sussex | RH12 3PN

> BOARDING SCHOOLS

e Royal Hampstead Education Fund DO YOU NEED HELP WITH FEES FOR ANY SCHOOL, COLLEGE, OR UNIVERSITY IN THE UK e Royal Hampstead Education Fund provides nancial assistance to help with the education and training of the dependents (up to the age of 25 years of age) of members or ex-members of the UK Armed Forces For over 150 years we have helped to provide betterment through education for thousands of the needy dependent children of members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. If you require assistance with fees for any school, college, or university in the UK, please visit our website and follow the steps outlined to have your request considered by our grants committee.

> FAITH SCHOOLS: WORTH SCHOOL

FAITH AND BOARDING WRITTEN BY: Giles Watson, Housemaster at Worth School and former Army Officer

When General Sir Michael Walker was CGS he used the sound bite “the Army does not have a right to be different, but it does have a need to be different”. This applies across the Armed Forces and across the whole spectrum of military life, including families.

aving served as an Infantry officer for 16 years before leaving the Army and retraining as a history teacher, I remember well the uncertainty that accompanies Service family life, the emotions that were very much a part of the posting ritual – especially when being posted abroad – and the fear that accompanied departure on an operational tour. My eldest child was very young when I went to Iraq in 2003/4, but I still remember the emotions that I felt and I know I was not alone in those feelings. Regardless of all those aspects of life which sets the Forces apart, the one enduring characteristic is the desire of all parents to do the very best they can for their children. A boarding school environment offers greater stability; enduring friendships can be formed over many years – far longer than the average posting, education is not disrupted and, for the most part, the staff remain the same. While faith-based schools offer this, just as other boarding schools do, I would argue that there is an

additional and very significant aspect. “Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends” is a favourite text for Service chaplains and is used to help provide a point of reference as individuals prepare for operations. In much the same way Christ’s commandment to his disciples to “love one another as I have loved you” provides a foundation for faithbased schools on which to build their care. Having completed my teacher training and ‘cut my teeth’ in the classroom I am now in my fourth year at Worth as a housemaster. The School was founded by the monastic community of Worth Abbey and is built on a Catholic Benedictine tradition. The ethos of the School is rooted in the Rule of St Benedict, which reads much like a military leadership publication (although the language is a little less clipped!). We are governed by the same regulatory standards as other schools but, just as the Armed Forces create teams bound by a very special bond which few outside can understand, I believe that the

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care schools such as Worth are able to provide, based on Christ’s commandment, goes far beyond those standards. The values that are accepted as making Service life different are very much apparent in schools like Worth. Values such as ‘Community’, ‘Service’ and ‘Humility’ are at the forefront and generate an atmosphere in which the needs of the individual are understood in a deeper and more personal way. Many of the boys and girls who board at Worth live overseas and while we, as housemasters and housemistresses, seek to get to know those in our care we also strive to create a home from home in which each individual feels valued for who they are and what they are able to contribute. While the boarding house can never replace the family, it can be a worthy substitute during term time which provides the stability, comfort and reassurance needed to allow boys and girls to grow into young men and women. The Services are successful because they are different. In the same way faithbased schools, such as Worth, are different because they have a strand of selflessness and love for others running through them that is difficult to truly build in any other context.

www.worthschool.co.uk

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE

OPEN DAY S

2016 1ST OCT 5TH NOV (Sixth Form) 12TH NOV

CATHOLIC BENEDICTINE 11– 18 CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL IN THE HEART OF SUSSEX

www.worthschool.org.uk

> CCF

COMBINED CADET FORCES BUILDS CHARACTER, SAYS BARNEY WRITTEN BY: Barnard Castle School www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

> Barnard Castle School CCF Pupils

AS questions on how schools can teach good character hit the headlines, leading independent school Barnard Castle School in County Durham explains how activities like Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) have shaped the mind-set of more than 10,000 of its talented pupils.

CF, which exists in over 260 UK schools, is a partnership between schools and the Ministry of Defence which offers young people aged 13-18 a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities which help them develop a sense of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. The popular CCF began at Barney in 1909 and currently has 160 students enrolled out of the 305 students who are eligible. Old Barnardian, Ed Challis, was on the Queen’s latest honours and awards list for commanding the last strategic outpost in Afghanistan and overseeing its closure. He used to be in the CFF and believes it has played a part in making him who he is today. On CCF at Barney, he said: “There was lots of teamwork so I learnt how to interact with others. I think I was subconsciously learning a lot of different skills during the activities. I learnt why discipline is important and how to get on with a huge variety of people. “Strength of character came through the combination of things we did at Barney: playing rugby, public speaking and the

School operates in a way which teaches its pupils to be decent people – with a sense of responsibility. “I meet a lot of young adults who haven’t learnt basic, practical life skills, the skills which give people a sense of independence – the CCF helps you in achieving many of these things. “I have fond memories of my time in the CCF: arduous march and shoot competitions, assault courses and sleeping out under ponchos in the snow as a 16 year old proved that we were capable of things we did not expect.” CCF offers members opportunities to take part in a range of activities such as climbing, flying, gliding, camping, orienteering, canoeing, small-bore and full-bore shooting, mountaineering and adventure training. Barnard Castle School’s contingent has its own indoor rifle range that gives pupils the experience of smallbore shooting under the safety of controlled conditions. Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One, Martyn Lewis, who leads the CCF at Barney said: “Ed, like a lot of the cadets in CCF, really enjoyed the sense of independence and adventure pupils get from

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these activities. The current cadets at Barney are constantly taking on challenges which test their fitness levels, stamina, and ability to think on their feet; they also develop vital teamwork and leadership skills.” Current pupil and head of CCF Seb Hampson, aged 18, is training for the largest marching event in the world at Nijmegen. The four day challenge, which begins on Tuesday 28th July, sees over 40,000 competitors march either 30, 40 or 50km a day in Holland alongside participants from over 60 nations. Seb opted to focus on the Army, rather than the RAF, in Year 10 when members choose a specialism after working as a group when they join in Year 9. Barney CCF makes the most of its strong relationships with neighbouring military bases with Barney Air Cadets getting the chance to try flying or gliding at RAF Leeming while the Army cadets are partnered with Durham ACF (Army Cadet Force) and have close links with Catterick Garrison just half an hour away from the School. Barnard Castle School CCF attends a national annual summer camp at Frimley Park in Surrey each year and enters regional and national competitions for First Aid, Shooting and Field Craft, in which they have been champions several years in a row. CCF is one of more than 100 activities Barnard Castle School offers to its students, including the more traditional rugby, netball, tennis and athletics, alongside horse riding and fencing.

BOARDING AND DAY, BOYS AND GIRLS, AGED 3-18

EQUIPPED FOR LIFE A Mount Kelly education combines academic excellence and exceptional pastoral care with an outstanding range of learning opportunities beyond the classroom, many on nearby Dartmoor National Park. Mount Kelly’s Combined Cadet Force Programme is an integral part of the school curriculum, delivering personal development skills and abilities across a range of disciplines. Mastering these life skills plays a key role in our pupils’ academic and co-curricular success. For more information about Mount Kelly including the School’s CCF and Forces Families Programmes and full range of scholarships and discounts please contact Vanessa Bowles, Director of Admissions at admissions@mountkelly.com or 01822 813193

Mount Kelly Parkwood Road Tavistock PL19 0HZ www.mountkelly.com

> THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

Set on a beautiful 150-acre site in the Kent countryside and offering a broad range of GCSEs and A Levels, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School offers unique opportunities to students – whether they be trekking in Borneo, performing new dance routines on the big stage, or welcoming important visitors.

Building Life Skills

Dukies love a challenge! Last year they visited Borneo, trekking miles through the jungle on the expedition of a lifetime, building character and resilience along the way. This was in addition to the Adventure Training Week which takes place every Easter, Combined Cadet Force Camps and The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme.

Dukie Careers Fair

SURPRISED BY A PRINCE

In September, the School proudly welcomed Prince Harry, who presented senior prefects with their medals and spoke at length with the students, discussing their future career plans. The story went global with news channels in Australia, America and Brazil reporting on his surprise visit.

On stage presence

In November, the School put on a dazzling production of Cabaret which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who came to watch. This vibrant show was a challenging performance that represented the next step in the development of the performing arts at the School. This followed on from the US/UK collaborative production of West Side Story the previous year and will be followed by a further international joint venture this autumn.

Involvement in High Profile National Events

The students are often invited to take part in high profile events – in November they were chosen to take part in Remembrance Day events at Westminster Abbey, the Royal Albert Hall and in Flanders. Then this January, the impressive School military band was invited to play at the Sun Military Awards, where they met high profile guests including Rod Stewart, Ian Wright, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

24 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Former pupils also return to the school to share their experiences of the working world in an annual careers fair for senior students. This year, 21 former Dukies came back, hailing from a wide range of professions, including the military, human resources, medicine, advertising, fitness, teaching, town planning, property, retail, engineering and finance. The exhibitors included a pilot, a paramedic, engineers, doctors, soldiers, designers and even a fitness entrepreneur. Many occupations were demonstrated using hands-on and interactive exhibits, such as specialised paramedic equipment used in mass casualty incidents; flying equipment, including an ejector seat and a parachute; and hi-tech interactive engineering software.

LEADERSHIP

• CHARACTER • PRIDE • SELF-DISCIPLINE • SPIRITUALITY • SPORTSMANSHIP • RESPECT

Full and weekly boarding now available Located on a beautiful 150 acre site in Dover, Kent, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is a state boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. We welcome applications from any student who wants to study GCSEs and A Levels at our unique and iconic school with its strong traditions.

Why choose us?

• An independent school

atmosphere at an affordable price. £3,940 per term* covers ALL the boarding costs, with the education paid for by the State.

• Graded ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted.

• A £24.9m building programme has just been completed to enhance our already impressive school site and facilities including new boarding houses, teaching blocks, drama studio, sports centre and climbing wall.

• Full and weekly boarding available.

• Students enjoy an active lifestyle

including sport, music, drama and outdoor activities, with over 70 clubs and activities offered.

• Unique ethos helps promote

character and life skills, with students encouraged to achieve their potential in a supportive community.

• Frequent involvement in high

profile National events including the Royal Festival of Remembrance.

2015/16 fees are just £11,820* per year. If you qualify for CEA, you will only pay £1,182 per year.

Enquiries: 01304 245073 admin.office@doyrms.com

www.doyrms.com *Fees are reviewed annually

> DOYRMS: NEWS

LEVISON WOOD LAUNCHES NCS TO DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL IN DOVER A state boarding school in Dover received a surprise visit (on April 18) from British explorer, Levison Wood, who addressed an assembly of 15 to 17 year olds to tell tales of his adventures and encourage the teenagers to push themselves outside of their comfort zones and take on new challenges this summer on the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme.

evison, a former Officer of the British Parachute Regiment and famed for his Channel 4 documentary series’ ‘Walking the Nile’, visited The Duke of York’s Royal Military School as part of his role as an ambassador for the NCS programme. The two-four week youth empowerment programme is being recommended to students at the school for the first time this year and will see them taking on outward bound activities, meeting new friends from different backgrounds and creating social action projects to benefit their local community. Levison, who is familiar with the benefits of trying new challenges, is encouraging students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School to join thousands of others taking part in the programme this summer. Levison Wood, British explorer, author and photographer, says: “Although my own experiences of trying new challenges are a little more extreme, I can definitely vouch for

the benefits of pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, whether that’s walking the length of the Nile or trying new activities and meeting new people on something like the NCS programme. Adventures like this are an integral part of realising what you’re capable of and developing yourself as a person, so going on a programme like NCS at such a pivotal age can be transformational. Not only will it help grow your confidence but will show potential employers that you’re not afraid of a challenge.” Levison spoke to a group of more than 100 students. With a military ethos at its heart, the school is renowned for developing strong character and life skills to set pupils up for the next stage in their lives. Chris Russell, Executive Principal and Commandant at Duke of York’s Royal Military School said: “Levison is an inspirational role model for our students and we’re thrilled he has chosen to visit us today to introduce the NCS programme. With his

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own military background and countless experiences of pushing himself to the limits, Levison is a prime example of our values of strength of character and self-discipline. We hope his visit will inspire our pupils to follow in his path by taking part in NCS this summer.” The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is just one of hundreds of schools across the country which currently support NCS. To date, the programme has seen more than 200,000 young people expand their horizons, make new friends from a range of backgrounds and contribute to their local community. Michael Lynas, CEO of NCS Trust says: “NCS is open to all 15-17 year olds across the country and we’re proud to be supported by a wide range of schools from academies and state schools through to state boarding schools. Levison is the perfect example of how perseverance and resilience can build strength and depth of character and we hope by hearing about his experiences, young people will be encouraged to try new adventures this summer on the NCS programme.” NCS widens horizons by helping young people build lasting friendships and grow their aspirations by developing crucial skills for work and life. The programme takes place across England and Northern Ireland this summer and is open to all 15-17 year olds for no more than £50. For more information visit www.ncsyes.co.uk.

> SEN

AUTISM AND THE MILITARY CHILD Life as the child of a military parent can be challenging, but it’s so much harder if you also have an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). So with that in mind we, Sarah and Emma from Spectrum Success, will try to answer, very simply, the following questions:

> WHAT IS AUTISM? > WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM? > WHAT ISSUES DO LEARNERS WITH AUTISM HAVE AT SCHOOL? > HOW CAN TEACHERS BETTER SUPPORT A MILITARY CHILD WITH AUTISM?

WHAT IS AUTISM? “The term autism describes qualitative differences and impairments in reciprocal social interaction and social communication, combined with restricted interests and rigid and repetitive behaviours, often with a lifelong impact. In addition to these features, people with autism frequently experience a range of cognitive, learning, language, medical, emotional and behavioural problems. These can include a need for routine and difficulty understanding other people, including their intentions, feelings and perspectives.”

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM? Someone with autism is likely to exhibit: 1. Differences in the way they think and behave e.g. limited interests and/or rigid and repetitive behaviours. 2. Differences in, and difficulties with, social interaction, communication and language. 3. Sensory difficulties. 4. A range of cognitive, learning, language, medical, emotional and behavioural issues.

Around 70% of people with an ASC will also meet the diagnostic criteria for at least one other physical and/or mental health condition. An ASC can result in a substantial impact on the quality of life for the individual and their parent/carers/families which may lead to isolation, loneliness and social vulnerability (NICE QS 51, 2014).

WHAT ISSUES DO LEARNERS WITH AUTISM HAVE AT SCHOOL? Over 70% of learners with an ASC are in mainstream educational settings but many fail to reach their full academic potential. Autistic learners may be affected with sensory overload at school when they get over-whelmed by activities such as: 1. PE team games or other tasks involving teamwork. 2. Any noisy activities. 3. Unstructured social times e.g. break and lunchtimes. 4. Negotiating busy corridors. 5. Changes in rooms, teachers, routines etc. When sensory overload occurs, it triggers an adrenalin rush and a ‘fight or flight’ response. This may

be interpreted by school staff as a behavioural issue which is then punished, rather than the cause being investigated. Military children have all sorts of additional stressors. They have to deal with mum or dad being away on detachment regularly, or struggling to finally make strong friendships in their latest school only for a posting notice to arrive. On top of this, extended family that can provide support often live some distance away.

HOW CAN TEACHERS BETTER SUPPORT A MILITARY CHILD WITH AUTISM? Staff working with children with an ASC can help by: 1. Taking into account the learner’s needs when planning activities. 2. Using careful language to convey their meaning. 3. Being aware that their body language may not be ‘read’. 4. Avoiding rhetorical questions, idioms and sarcasm.

5. Checking the learner fully understands what is being asked of them. 6. Ensuring that classroom support is sufficient for the learner’s needs. 7. Ensuring that the SENCo and parents are fully involved in the child’s educational progress. 8. Signposting the parent/ carer to the Local Offer (www. thelocaloffer.co.uk) and specialist military support services such as Forces Additional Needs and Disability Support Group (ssafasupportgroups.org.uk/ fands) and the Children’s Education Advisory Service (www.gov.uk/guidance/childrenseducation-advisory-service). 9. Getting specialist autism training (our details are below). Hopefully this very brief and simple article has provided a basis to help support your military child with autism.

Yours, Sarah and Emma

For further information regarding Spectrum Success:

W: spectrumsuccess.co.uk E: info@spectrumsuccess. co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is more in you than you thinkâ&#x20AC;? Cobham Hall is a small mainstream Round Square all-girls boarding and day school in the UK with a CReSTeD accredited Learning Support Department

Discounts available for Services families Tel. 01474 823371 | www.cobhamhall.com

FROM SOLDIER TO OPERATIONS DIRECTOR: My journey as a Master of Business Administration Neil Cufley discusses first-hand his journey from soldier to MBA graduate, why he decided to pursue an MBA qualification and the impact achieving an MBA has made on his career.

n January 2016 I graduated from the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme and joined the ranks of their alumni. Originally launched at Harvard more than a century ago, today an MBA is recognised globally as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular business qualification, in demand from both prospective students and their future employers. Many universities and business schools worldwide have now made the MBA available via distance learning, enabling students to achieve their qualification while holding down a full-time job, and this is one of the major factors that drew me to the UDOL course. What made the UDOL MBA programme especially attractive was the ability for me to study at my own pace, with the ability to work wherever and whenever I chose to do so thanks to 24/7 access to their online learning materials. Initially I considered the MBA purely for my own professional development and the improvements it might have on the multitude of strategic decisions that formed part of my daily life as a manager. My early working life was spent as a soldier,

initially in military intelligence and more latterly in logistics. Having served for two decades in the Army, I decided that it was time for a change and began looking for a different career. I was fortunate to apply for and subsequently become the Director of Operations at an independent school in the South East of England, with business management at the heart of my new career. While most people tend to specialise in one aspect of business, such as finance or marketing, the University of Derby Online Learning MBA programme was about providing a top-level view of business activity, encouraging students to see how the different elements of business fit together, all moderated through a modular programme and a final research project and thesis. As Director of Operations at an independent school I decided to focus on a particular problem within my market sector and used my employment to my advantage. Studying with UDOL was made quite simple, predominantly because of my supervisor, but also because of the flexible nature of the course and the speed at which I could operate. My research project and thesis took a little under a year

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to complete and I graduated with an MBA (Merit) in January this year. Before embarking on this educational journey I had a pre-formed view that I would increase my knowledge, understanding and business acumen but I had not realised to what extent. Choosing the particular route described in this article was key to my success and I was hugely pleased with the recognition I gained from Chartered Management Institute qualifications, also allowing me to continue to the next level of study. I was very well supported by my employer through my studies and for this I am ever grateful, especially as I could study without worrying about any impact upon my daily activities. For those wishing to gain a greater understanding of business, leadership and strategic management I cannot recommend the MBA enough, especially the modular and online route that was so key to my success. Juggling a busy career and a family is a difficult task in itself without the addition of Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level study, but the CMI and UDOL set-up allowed me to achieve what I had first set out to do. As an MBA graduate I feel that I have the confidence and ability to talk authoritatively about my trade, as well as having the credibility that the qualification provides.

For more information about UDOL visit: www.derby.ac.uk/online/

READY TO ENHANCE YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS? Develop your skills and increase your employability with a recognised University qualification The University of Derby Online Learning is one of the UK’s leading providers of online distance learning. We provide structured and supported undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and short courses that can be studied part time online from anywhere in the world. Online learning offers you a flexible way of completing a University qualification both during and after your military service, equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge to further your career.

Ready to find out more?

Choose from a wide range of courses in subject areas including:

• • • • • • • • •

Accounting and Finance Business and Management Computing and IT Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Environmental Sciences Health and Social Care Hospitality Management Professional Engineering Psychology and Ergonomics

Call: +44(0)1332 594000 or Email: OnlineAdmissions@derby.ac.uk Whether you’re starting out, moving up or starting again WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE

www.derby.ac.uk/military

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX ONLINE STUDENTS: COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS WHILE ON ASSIGNMENT Are you planning your strategy for a career after the military? Worried that your CV isn’t as polished as it could be? A qualification from University of Essex Online will help you prepare for a successful career in civvy street and get ready to climb the ranks of any company. All of our courses are 100% online, part-time and have been designed specifically for people who want to study while working. We offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, each one created by industry-leading professionals and subject experts. They will equip you with vital transferable skills for many areas of business while boosting your employability and salary expectations. Worried about funding? There’s no need; we’re an approved provider for the MoD Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELC). This financial assistance for current and former members of the armed forces is available before you start your resettlement period, so there’s nothing stopping you asking for it right now! You may even be eligible for a government-backed student loan.

We have courses to suit many levels and industries. Our full list of undergraduate courses can be found on our site and includes: BA (Hons) Business and Management BA (Hons) Business and Marketing LLB (Hons) Law BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice And our ever-expanding range of postgraduate qualifications includes: MBA MSc Business and Management MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology MSc Infection Control Master of Public Health (MPH)

Every course is delivered via a state-of-the-art virtual learning platform which enables both students and tutors to take part in real-time discussions, view recorded lectures and take part in live sessions. Our modules are assessed solely on assignments, so there are no stressful exams to revise for.

32 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Our students have access to all the academic support you would expect to receive on campus and everyone is assigned a personal Student Adviser who acts as a mentor and guide. Our dedicated student support was recognised as one of the best in the industry in 2015 when we received an overall student satisfaction rating of 95% in the National Student Survey (NSS).

“HERE AT UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX ONLINE, WE RECOGNISE THAT YOU CAN GAIN SKILLS IN A WIDE VARIETY OF WAYS AND THAT PRIOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IS NOT THE ONLY INDICATOR OF YOUR ABILITY.” We’re proud to support our military students, and have already helped a number of armed forces members gain valuable qualifications. Read our interview with Andy Robertson, Weapons Systems Instructor and Business & Management graduate. Not sure how you’d juggle study and life in the military? Read our fascinating interview with Katie Mitchell, a student and Sergeant in the Royal Signals: ‘The logistics of studying while working in the military’: www.online.essex.ac.uk/ELCAS. Here at University of Essex Online, we recognise that you can gain skills in a wide variety of ways and that prior academic performance is not the only indicator of your ability. That’s why we also take into account work-based experience when assessing a student’s eligibility for a course. All of our potential students are assessed individually by a dedicated Admissions team who will determine which course best suits your existing experience. No matter what career you plan to enter in the future, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree is shown to improve your career prospects and build on your key skills. Online degrees are well-respected and established, with employers around the world increasingly recognising the dedication required to study while working. What are your next steps? If you’re serious about online learning, get in touch with your Education Officer to discuss the funding you’re entitled to and download our prospectus too: www.online.essex.ac.uk/ELCAS.

Did you know you’re eligible for ELCAS funding before your resettlement period? University of Essex Online offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to get you ready for civvy street:       

Business Criminology and Criminal Justice Criminology and Criminal Psychology Infection Control Law Marketing Public Health

Ask your Education Officers to find out more!

www.online.essex.ac.uk/ELCAS

> BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY

ENHANCING YOUR EMPLOYABILITY WITH UNIVERSITY STUDY WHY BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY?

WHY STUDY? If you’re thinking of progressing your career or resettling into civilian life, studying at university could be the key to opening up new opportunities. The latest figures from High Fliers Research suggests that 2015 will be the best year for graduate job vacancies in more than ten years, with leading employers expected to offer over 8% more graduate vacancies in 2015. This is good news, as starting salaries for graduates rose last year for the first time since 2009 and is expected to increase again in 2015, with the median average salary coming in at around £30,000.

“WITH 91.6% OF OUR UK BASED GRADUATES EITHER IN EMPLOYMENT OR FURTHER STUDY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GRADUATION; WE CAN HELP YOU TAKE THAT NEXT STEP ON THE CAREER LADDER.”

Bournemouth University is based on the south coast and is recognised as one of the most innovative universities in the UK; bringing together professional practice and academic excellence. With 91.6% of our UK based graduates either in employment or further study within six months of graduation; we can help you take that next step on the career ladder. Offering a wide range of courses across Marketing & Communications, Business & Management, Engineering and Health & Social Care there is a variety of options to suit your interests. We pride ourselves on providing industry relevant courses and as such many of our courses have work placement opportunities, providing practical, hands-on experience in your chosen industry. BU creates excellent industry links and has more students on a work placement than any other university in England, setting you up on your career path and enhancing your employment prospects with real work-place experience. The cost of study can be a concern but as an approved provider of Enhanced Learning Credit courses, the majority of course fees at Bournemouth University can be off-set for military personnel.

To find out more about our courses, or to visit us at one of our Open Days visit www.bournemouth. ac.uk/armed-forces or for more information call 01202 961916

35 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

> CASE STUDY David Maw, BSc (Hons) Design Engineering

Background:

I have completed successful operational tours in an infantry role, where it was necessary to inspire and lead teams of soldiers in stressed, demanding, and hazardous conditions. I have always been keen to develop my potential as an engineer, and have taken every opportunity to gain knowledge and experience

The course:

I have broadened my engineering knowledge in areas that include engineering design, materials, manufacturing processes, production methods, and project management. My projects whilst on the course have included wind turbine blade design, tidal energy generation and composite vehicles.

Highlights included winning

a Dyson design competition for innovation in 2010 and reaching the finals of the Undergraduate of the Year award in 2013.

Placement experience:

My placement involved work as a commercial structural engineer using Autodesk and Solidworks Finite Element Analysis software to model, analyse and optimise structures.

The future:

Studying at BU has been a very exciting and stimulating experience, and I am looking forward to applying the knowledge in new

Degrees starting in September at Bournemouth University

Marketing & Communications BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism BA (Hons) Marketing Communications BA (Hons) Advertising BA (Hons) Public Relations BA (Hons) Politics

Engineering MEng Engineering FdEng Engineering BSc (Hons) Design Engineering BSc (Hons) Software Engineering

Business & Management BA (Hons) International Business & Management (online) BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Management BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing & Security

Health & Social Care BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing Dip HE Operating Department Practice

For more information call +44 (0)1202 961916 or visit us on an open day: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/armed-forces 6969

> OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN IT WITH THE GROUNDING OF A RELEVANT DEGREE, PETE FLANN CHOSE TO JOIN OXFORD BROOKES WHEN HE LEFT THE ARMY.

> Pete Flann in his new job with

Cambridgeshire based Jagex

During the six years that Pete served with the Royal Corps of Signals, his job ranged from providing satellite communications to outreach detachments and supporting troops on the ground, to providing regional headquarters with all their communication needs. He decided to leave the army to pursue the goal of attaining a degree, a goal which the army was unable to support. He was selected to join the Oxford University Officer Training Corps which, Pete says, “enabled me to still do the bits of the army that I loved whilst being at university.” Pete joined Brookes as a mature student to study for a degree in Computer Science and Network Computing, with a mixture of relevant experience and qualifications he had obtained whilst in trade training with the army. Of his time at Brookes Pete says, “The discipline and motivation that had been etched into me whilst serving in the Royal Signals and overseas operations enabled me to balance my course work, lectures and a part time job in IT for a small consultancy firm, giving me the experience and edge over other candidates when looking for a full-time

job”, and that the firm he worked for was “really understanding and flexible around my studies.” Pete feels that the skills he has obtained at Brookes have prepared him for the commercial world of IT. The mix of practical and theory modules enabled him to gain a better understanding of how businesses work and how to implement IT projects. He is on course to graduate in the summer of 2015 and has recently secured a new job with Cambridgeshire based Jagex, a multiaward winning computer games developer

36 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

and publisher, the UK’s largest independent business in this field. If you study computing at Oxford Brookes, you will encounter state-of-theart technologies - such as robotics and computer vision - and develop a wide range of cognitive, practical, analytical, creative and professional skills. Computing, digital media and communication technologies are fast paced and exciting disciplines that thrive on innovation and have the potential to change the world. To be an effective practitioner in these areas requires the ability to stay up to date with rapidly changing technologies and have the competence to apply these technologies effectively. Our courses are specifically designed to enable you to become an agile adopter of new technologies and will equip you with the professional skills, techniques and ways of thinking needed to pursue a successful career. We place a strong emphasis on developing an inclusive learning and research community. We work to integrate our world-leading research with our teaching so that students become engaged with the leading edge of their discipline. Our new Cognitive Robotics Laboratory, for example, will enable students to apply what they are learning about programming to the control of sophisticated robots. Our courses, taught by leading academics with active research programmes, are designed to meet the needs of modern industry. Our graduates tell us that the relevance of our courses and the skills they’ve learnt enable them to achieve their goals and build their careers. In addition our location in Oxford places us at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest concentrations of high-tech businesses.

THESE ARE THE COMPUTING AND DIGITAL MEDIA COURSES WE OFFER: Computing foundation This is a one-year full-time course which prepares you for undergraduate study.

Undergraduate degree courses • • • •

THESE ARE THE ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS COURSES WE OFFER:

Computer Science BSc Computing for Robotic Systems BSc Digital Media Production BSc Information Technology Management for Business BSc • Network Computing BSc • Software Development for Business BSc

Engineering foundation:

This is a one-year full-time course which prepares you for undergraduate study.

Postgraduate degree courses • Computing MSc/PGDip/PGCert • Computer Vision MSc/PGDip/PGCert • IT Systems Administration and Management MSc/PGDip/PGCert • Software Engineering MSc /PGDip/PGCert • Mobile and High Speed Telecommunication Networks MSc /PGDip/PGCert • Mobile and Wireless Communications MSc/PGDip/PGCert • eBusiness MSc • Digital Media Production MSc

> Baxter and Nao twins, research robots at Brookes

All our taught postgraduate courses (except Digital Media Production) are now also offered as two-year programmes, to include a year-long work placement. If your interest tends more towards mechanical or automotive engineering or mathematics, we have a host of popular courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level to tempt you. In all these programmes, which are developed in conjunction with industry, we aim to equip our students with the specialist knowledge and skills, experience of latest technology and specialist software packages and to develop as individuals so as to leave them in the best position to compete in the employment market. This is recognised by many employers, especially in Formula 1, who recruit a significant number of our graduates. Whether your passion is road cars, race cars, great engineering design, probabilistic concepts or algorithms, then studying one of our courses will help you to realise your ambitions. Our graduates enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Many go on to pursue successful careers with leading engineering and technology companies including major automotive and motorsport companies. Inherent in all our activity is the value we place on partnerships with business and industry, because it not only helps us to do better teaching and research and provide learning opportunities, such as student dissertations, but it also allows us to add value back into the economy. Teaching takes place in our purpose-built £9m facility which is well equipped and the envy of many local organisations. It creates an environment in which technical expertise is enhanced by creativity and imagination. This promotes a friendly, close knit community of staff and students with excellent student support staff and facilities close at hand.

Undergraduate degree courses • • • • • •

Automotive Engineering BEng/MEng Mathematical Sciences BSc Mathematics BSc Mechanical Engineering BEng/MEng/BSc Motorsport Engineering BEng/MEng Motorsport Technology BSc

Postgraduate degree courses • • • •

Automotive Engineering MSc Mechanical Engineering MSc Motorsport Engineering MSc Racing Engine Design MSc

New course

We have just introduced a Postgraduate Certificate course in Data Visualisation and Modelling. This part-time course is designed primarily for mid-career professionals working in mathematical modelling and data analysis. It is also possible to study any of the three modules of this course on a stand-alone basis, as an associate student of the university. At Oxford Brookes we realise that not everyone has the opportunity or time to study full-time, especially if they need to work to support themselves and, maybe, a family as well. Pete says he has been able to “balance my course work, lectures and a part time job in IT ,giving me the experience and edge over other candidates when looking for a full-time job”.

To find out how a degree from Oxford Brookes could make the difference to your future, visit tde.bz/mems-em for mechanical engineering and mathematics courses or tde.bz/cct-em for computing and communications programmes.

SCHOOL OF SPORT, HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCES

OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AND TEACHING AT BANGOR UNIVERSITY The School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Bangor is one of the most established and best Schools in the UK. We’ve attracted world-leading academic staff who have links at the highest levels of sport, performance and health. As well as securing an excellent national ranking, 1st in Wales/7th in the UK, the Research Excellence Framework 2014 rated 100% of the School’s research as either world-leading or internationally excellent. Current research examples include:

THE BENEFITS OF TAKING RISKS Researchers have reported increases in self-esteem and other positive outcomes as a result of taking part in high-risk activities. Surprisingly, researchers still do not understand why and how high-risk activities increase self-esteem. This long-standing question is at the heart of the research that scientists at Bangor University are investigating. The research so far suggests that taking part in a high-risk activity requires people to deal with difficult emotions such as anxiety, which makes them more effective and better able to cope in life generally (away from the activity). Prof Tim Woodman from the Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance says, “This research is fascinating because it seems that people who don’t ‘fit’ in everyday life can find a highly fulfilling life in high-risk activities. What is most intriguing is that the difficulty with emotions that most of these people experience might be a quality in these environments.”

A FUTURE WHERE ‘SMART’ CONTACT LENSES COULD PREDICT YOUR RISK OF SUFFERING A COMMON COLD Why is it that there are some people who can go a whole winter without so much as a sniffle, whilst others seem to catch every common cold that comes their way? A new study by the School’s Extremes Research Group has shown that it could be possible to predict the likelihood of succumbing to common cold symptoms by analysing the level of antibodies in tear fluid. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) is an important antibody that acts as a ‘first line of defence’ to prevent viruses and bacteria from entering the body and is abundant in secretions such as saliva and tears. By analysing samples of tear fluid for SIgA, Prof Neil Walsh and his team observed that individuals with low levels were up to nine times more likely to experience common cold symptoms within the following week compared to individuals with normal levels of tear SIgA secretion. When individuals’ tear SIgA fell by ~30%, their risk of catching a common cold increased six fold.

38 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Walsh and his colleagues are the first to explore the potential of tear fluid analysis to detect changes in immune function and the incidence of respiratory infection. Recently, tear fluid has attracted substantial interest as a medium for non-invasive monitoring of other biomarkers. Walsh and colleagues recently demonstrated that tear fluid can be used to assess hydration status, and last year Google and Novartis unveiled a ‘smart’ contact lens capable of detecting blood glucose levels for diabetic patients. Says Walsh “It may not be long before we see tear immune measures integrated into ‘smart’ contact lenses capable of continuously monitoring host defence and infection risk.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR STUDENTS? Our research activities lead to new, exciting and state-of-the-art content being included in our teaching. Students choosing to study Sports Science at Bangor also have the opportunity to get directly involved with these exciting and world-leading research processes. This research experience, combined with an opportunity to develop additional skills, gives our students exceptional transferable skills and leads to high student engagement which is why we are in the Top Ten in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2016).

Edinburgh Institute

You learn. You do. You succeed.

Name: Name: Employer: Employer: Position: Position:

Treverr Beynon TreverrArmy Beynon British

British Army Warrant Ofﬁcer Class One, G2 Branch, HQ ARRC

Why did you choose to study on BA Business & Enterprise? Why did you choose to study on

Has your organisation beneﬁtted from your studies so, inonwhat What has beenand the if impact you ways?

valid qualifi cations to underpin the management skills learntI knew in the After choosing to leave the Army after 20 years’ service Army. I had looked at a number of programmes across the country that I required some commercial business education, exposure and decided that this programme would give me the necessary and some valid qualifications to underpin the management business training and skills required prior to leaving the Forces. skills learnt in the Army. I had looked at a number of programmes across country decided that this would give What the were theand 3 key things thatprogramme you learnt? me the necessary business training and skills required prior to Time management has been a massive learning curve while leaving the this Forces. completing programme. I have spent many Fridays travelling

dramatically and been the team manage tasksmy and workload in into a more The degree has a step towards resettlement civilian structured way, learning from each other’s experience and knowledge. life and with 12 months left to serve I will be complimenting the The team have learned to plan, delegate and follow tasks through degree course withhas further to give me a more rounded to the finish which led to learning a great sense of achievement for those C.V. This achievement hasingiven me the business knowledge and organising and taking part the activities and events. confidence to go out there and transfer my management skills into a commercial environment. What has beenbusiness the impact on you

After choosing to leave the Army after 20 years’ service I knew that I BA Business & Enterprise? required some commercial business education, exposure and some

home listening to business audio books on the move. I also learned a lot about my abilities to achieve results and my ability to empower the What 3 key things that you learnt? team to were achievethe a high standard when planning and executing tasks.

Time management has been a massive learning curve while completing this programme. I have spent many Fridays travelling home listening to business audio books on the move. I also learned a lot about my abilities to achieve results and my ability to empower the team to achieve a high standard when planning and executing tasks.

Has yourDELIVERED organisation benefitted from yourUK studies NOW ACROSS THE BABE Edinburgh Napier University’s and if so, in what ways? Innovative one year atop The organisation has benefitted greatup dealdegree from my studies:

communication both internally externally improved Entry requirements for BAand Business andhas Enterprise dramatically and the team manage tasks and workload include the vocational qualifications that go with in a forces rank, Personnel of Chief Petty Officer, Staff and more structured way, learning from each other’s experience Sergeant, Flight Sergeant equivalent and above are knowledge. The team have learned to plan, delegate and follow eligible for direct entry* tasks through to the finish which has led to a great sense of • Studentsfor attend monthly achievement those local organising and workshops taking part in the activities • Registered for ELCs, balance payable over 6 months and events.

More details at:

http://www.courses.napier.ac.uk/ BusinessandEnterprise_OffCampus__W30015.htm Or email BABE administrator Suzanne Smith su.smith@napier.ac.uk * Personnel below this rank may still qualify and Military Civil Servants with 2 years’ management experience are also likely to be eligible, contact to check

The organisation has benefitted a great deal from my studies: personally in achieving a degree? communication both internally and externally has improved

personally in achieving a degree?

The degree has been stepto towards my resettlement What would youasay someone who wasinto civilian life and with 12 months left to serve I will be complimenting the degree considering starting BA Business & Enterprise? course with further learning to give me a more rounded C.V. This

achievement has given further me the business knowledge andinto confi dence If you are considering study and want to go the to go out there and transfer my management skills into a commercial business world then this is the course for you. It looks at business environment. Business Process, Growth and Innovation. A lot of the study is based in your place of work which improves your own processes, What would you say to someone who communication and management. You also get to meet some was people considering BA Business great which is astarting good introduction to networking and the & Enterprise? civilian world. If you are considering further study and want to go into the business world then this is the course for you. It looks at Business Process, If you had to sum up participation of BABE in place one Growth and Innovation. A lot of the study is based in your of work which improves your own processes, communication and sentence – what would you say? management. You also get to meet some great people which is a The was difficult in parts,and butthe gave me aworld. great learning goodcourse introduction to networking civilian

experience that has ended with a real sense of achievement.

If you had to sum up participation of BABE in one sentence – whatlike would you say? Anything else you would to add?

The course wasmy diffilong cult in parts, but gave mebeen a great learning Support from suffering wife has fantastic as has experience that has ended with a real sense of achievement. the support from the tutors. The Gloucester cohort have stuck together from the start and are looking forward to a well-earned Anything else you would like to add? beer in Edinburgh post-Graduation. Support from my long suffering wife has been fantastic as has the support from the tutors. The Gloucester cohort have stuck together from the start and are looking forward to a well-earned beer in Edinburgh post-Graduation.

Use your skills to give something back by training to teach at the University of Sunderland Pupils would benefit from the experience, background and skills that you have gained in the armed forces The skills and experiences you have gained during your time in the Armed Forces are invaluable, and our education system needs you to bring these to our schools. You could have the potential to become an outstanding teacher As a teacher, you can inspire the next generation and help them realise their ambitions Once you have qualified you can enjoy enviable job security and a generous pension. The average starting salary for newly qualified teachers in England is ÂŁ24,200 Subject areas: Maths, Science, English, Geography, Design and Technology, Business, Computer Science, PostCompulsory Education and Training

For more information visit our website or talk to our friendly Admissions team:

Tel: 0191 515 3845 Email: ell.enquiries@sunderland.ac.uk

www.sunderland.ac.uk

> FRANCHISING

FINDING THE RIGHT

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!

Franchising is a fantastic way to work for yourself; however do not expect it to be the easy option. Franchising requires much thought and hard work; however it is a safer way to owning your own business. Your franchise opportunity is a tried and tested business model, so all the creases have been ironed out before it is offered on the open market, giving you some peace of mind. Another advantage is you are able to see the business in operation before investing any of your money.

To be a successful franchisee you would have to be the type of person who can accurately stick to someone else’s system, without wanting to make changes. You will be starting your business using someone else’s know-how and expertise gained over years of running a mirror image business therefore you have a system in place that is proven to work. You will however have to manage, promote, market and sell as well as millions of other tasks that have to be done in running small businesses.

Which type of franchise suits you best? In order to find which franchise is best for you, you must assess your own skills and experiences. Then select the franchise type that suits you. You should also consider what risks you are prepared to take, and although the risks in franchising are different to those involved in setting up your own business

What type of experience do you have? Identify the skills you have developed over your years of service, in order to ensure the franchise you chose fits your skills and experiences. Are you a NCO or Officer? Many franchisees are geared to a franchise employing many staff with managed skills; therefore the ability to lead and management are paramount to ensure the success of your franchise. If you have little or no managerial skills, don’t be put off, you can utilise your ELC or Standard Learning Credits to gain qualifications and expertise in this area. Have you been involved in administration? Many franchise systems involve extensive administration work therefore it would be beneficial to have some experience in this area. If your require help and guidance, many military charity’s will offer you expert help and guidance, the main charity who encourage franchising is The Royal British Legion, a quick call can make all the difference.

Where do you want to work? You will have some idea of your ideal place of work, what best suits you? Do you go stir crazy behind a desk? Then sporting franchises may be a great option for you. Do you enjoy working face to face with the public? Then maybe a shop environment is for you. Our advice is to find a franchise that you will enjoy working at and is comfortably within your skill set, as you will be making the commitment for five years. In your day to day life within the military you have gained many skill sets and you have the discipline required. Match your franchise to not only your skill sets but your personality, what do you enjoy doing? Can you find a franchise to work in those areas? Check out the free website www.franchisedirect.co.uk which will give you a comprehensive list of available opportunities.

42 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Ex-Military and looking for a new challenge? If you’ve never considered franchising before, owning your own Pitman Training Centre could be exactly what you’re looking for.

The concept of franchising is extremely well established, with education being one of the biggest growth markets in the sector. There are many benefits which make it a very cost-effective solution and can generate significant income. With around 100 Pitman Training Centres worldwide, the process of opening a franchise is as simple as it can possibly get. With training and advice before, during and after a centre launch, we are on hand to provide guidance throughout all stages to ensure that the process is enjoyable and straightforward.

Who are Pitman Training? We provide the latest in office and IT training, through a comprehensive range of Diplomas, Awards and Courses. Pitman Training has always enjoyed a reputation for excellence and continues to be highly regarded by employers; so much so that companies across the UK have voted us to be a top Business Superbrand™

What support will I get? You’ll receive all the support you need to help ensure your franchise is highly successful, including: Full support from a highlyexperienced team and a dedicated Franchise Development Manager Opening co-ordination and assistance

How much is it going to cost me? Franchise fees starting from £22,500 excluding VAT. In all our time as a franchisor we have rarely failed to raise finance for a prospective franchise partner, who we felt would succeed in our business.

Help with centre set-up and décor

Who’s ideal for franchising?

Full sales training and induction

If you’re a customer-focused person, possessing management and leadership skills, you could be the perfect fit.

Detailed systems software and product training Your own microsite, integrated within our highly successful website Ongoing support, particularly in sales and marketing.

Your first step should be to make contact via phone or email. We will then forward to you an information pack prior to meeting you personally.

Contact one of our franchise experts on:

0333 200 1316

or visit: www.pitman-franchising.com

Paula found success with Pitman Training after leaving the Army

The support you get from the customer service team and Franchise Development Managers is excellent. On top of that you have a brand with a great reputation in the business community and excellent products to choose from. I’m now 10 years into my own Pitman Training franchise and I’m enjoying every minute. This business has allowed me to gain real financial independence and the freedom to work in the centre and at home – giving me the time to be a working mum and raise my family.

Paula Elliot Director, Pitman Training Dover

> FRANCHISING: DENT WIZARD

LEARN WHY EX MILITARY WORK WELL WITH DENT WIZARD VENTURES

HERE ARE A FEW FACTS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW: • We have one of the LOWEST FRANCHISEE FEES in our industry starting at £19k • We offer one of the LARGEST GEOGRAPHICAL TERRITORIES in our industry • We have NO HIDDEN FEES or minimum stock purchases • Buy our franchise, LEARN A TRADE • We are the WORLD’S LARGEST provider of Paintless Dent Removal Services • We are the FASTEST GROWING commercial smart provider in the UK • We distribute 1000’S OF LEADS across our franchisee network

“One of the things they teach you in the Army is that ‘hard work’ pays off.” The same mentality is needed with a Dent Wizard franchise business. You earn what you put in. Dent Wizard is considered one of the best vehicle SMART repairer in the UK. With ongoing support, complete back up, and along with an intensive training programme, you can enjoy all the benefits of running your own company without the risks. The Dent Wizard formula for your success is simple, we combine a family environment with the total backup of an ‘International Brand Leader’, so that you can take the plunge, safe in the knowledge you have a safety net. Our intensive training means that even if you don’t have auto experience you can still set up a specialist business, in paintless dent removal, bodywork paint repair or alloy wheel repair. This independent industry renowned training scheme will give you the edge over your competition.

Roland from Dent Wizard Brighton speaks highly of our training,

“I enjoyed the training so much I didn’t want to leave! The staff and the facilities are second to none. I had visited many other larger SMART repair franchises and the Dent Wizard franchise stood out by far.”

All training is held in our Midlands training academy and is delivered by a dedicated team of industry leading trainers. Gain the skills you need, to make a life changing career move, in as little as 5 to 8 weeks. Back up and support doesn’t stop when the training ends, our highly-trained technicians are always available to answer your queries or provide further training if you require it. So, with a massive market of over 2 billion private and commercial customers to aim for, the sky’s the limit. Our sales and marketing support are here to help, providing support to business plan writing and assistance to obtaining any finance that you need to take this exciting step. Every month we distribute leads to our franchisees. Included in your package is your own personalised website which we will manage and optimize for you to ensure you will appear in the top of the search engine rankings. And with most people using the web to find services like this, customers will find you without any effort on your part. Your fee also includes mobile diary and finance software, support from our call center, mobile technical support managers and most importantly our finance package. We pay you and then chase up payment on your behalf.

44 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Former military man Steve Davy now has 4 technicians working for him. “Being paid by Dent Wizard every month for what my team and I have invoiced is an absolute God-send. It allows me to focus purely on the business.”

Imagine the freedom and just how great would it be to know that all your hard work was for you, not your boss. If you would like to find out more, please contact our Franchise Manager Warren Albutt (Pictured) by email warren.albutt@dentwizard.co.uk, or call him on 01675 470267.

Are you looking for the

PERFECT FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY? Then look no further than Dent Wizard Ventures, one of the largest Vehicle Smart Repair franchises in the UK. With an intensive training programme and continued ongoing support, you will enjoy all the benefits of running your own company without the risks. Learn the practical skills and techniques to provide a high-quality service with confidence, in just 5-8 weeks. You too could be one of our many franchisees turning over £40,000 every month. With a market of over 2 billion customers out there, the sky really is the limit in terms of success.

Steve joined Dent Wizard straight from the Army and hasn’t looked back since. “At first, joining Dent Wizard straight from the Army was daunting, but one thing they teach you in the Army is that hard work pays off. I quickly picked up the training and focused on new business. I’ve now been working with Dent Wizard as a franchisee for 5 years and love every minute of it. I now have four technicians working for me and we’re flying!” Steve Davy, Dent Wizard & Flying Colours, Ipswich

Take those first steps and contact Warren Albutt Franchise Manager warren.albutt@dentwizard.co.uk 01675 470267

The leader in automotive reconditioning, SMART repairs, and dent repair for car owners, dealerships, body shops, & insurance agencies

Expert car body repairs for a shiny showroom finish without leaving home

Restore your alloys to their showroom finish with expert alloy wheel repair from the wheel specialists

> ELCAS

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FUNDING One of the questions often asked is “When is the best time to use my funding?” The answer is always going to be personal preference, however here is some information that may help you decide. Enhanced Learning Credits are there for you to utilise. Many don’t use these till they enter resettlement however, we must ask the question “Is this best use of the funding provided”?

ou are able to use the initial funding of £3,000 after 3 years’ service to gain academic qualifications, helping you to gain the GCSE or A’Level which you may have missed out on at school. This can be hugely beneficial and will enhance your CV whilst showing a commitment to learn to your Officers, which could potentially improving your prospects of promotion. These base qualifications are the stepping stones for you to make decisions on what and where you would like to go next. Having served your 8 years, where would you like to use your next £6000? Many of you will be looking to the future and making decisions on whether to continue or resettle? You have many options open to you depending on the decision you make for your future. If you have chosen to use the lower funding on the stepping stone qualifications you may decide to go onto Higher Education and gain a HNC, HND or Degree. All of these qualifications will be valuable whilst serving, when resettling and also in a profession should you decide to return to Civi Street? One thing we would always advise is to never rush into a decision or use you’re funding on a course to be with your friends. You are ultimately an individual and what is right for them may not be right for you. Take time to think about what you enjoy doing. You will be spending a lot of time doing this so it is always good to find something you enjoy. What am I good at? Maybe you can turn your gifts into a career path when leaving. How much can I earn doing this? Ultimately we all work to give ourselves a better life and therefore checking the average wage for your chosen career is always a good idea. You can then make the decision if this is going to be affordable for you and your family. If you want to learn a new trade, then always price up the qualifications you will need to pursue this career path, and save that amount of money from your funding. Remember each year £175 Standard Learning Credits are available. These can fund smaller courses that again can enhance your career prospects without dipping into your ELC funding. Before claiming any of your funding, make an appointment with your local education officer who will guide you on the best courses to take. If the Local Education Officer post does not exist at your base then you will need to consider the following carefully. Is the course relevant to your personal development goals? Can you cope at present with the extra pressure study can bring? How flexible is the course? Will you lose your money if you are unable to complete the course due to your military service? You must be authorised to undertake the activity and registered with the Education Staff therefore before enrolling on any course speak to those in authority who can advise, help and approve your chosen courses.

46 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

“If you want to learn a new trade, then always price up the qualifications you will need to pursue this career path, and save that amount of money from your funding.”

> ELCAS

Are you looking for a challenging new career within a fast growing industry? TSG would like to invite you to our FREE OF CHARGE Insight into the Industry Day. Meet the experts and see real life video examples of up to date operations. Learn how and where to research the industry. Gain honest advice about starting out on your new career path. For dates and availability please see our website or contact our dedicated training team on the telephone number below.

0800 587 0170

training@thesurveillancegroup.com www.thesurveillancegroup.com The Surveillance Group Ltd, Brook Court, Whittington Hall, Worcester, WR5 2RX

Partner

Discover more about the world of covert surveillance and investigations...

MOD Approved Fire Safety Training In support of ELC Scheme

Make the best use of your ELCs by gaining professional fire safety qualifications from the experts in fire training at Vulcan.

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> D OF E

TAKING PART

IN THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to do your DofE? Education for the Military Family hears from youth charity The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award about what it means for a young person to do their DofE, how it equips them for the future and just what skills they learn.

he DofE is the world’s leading achievement award for young people of all backgrounds aged 14-25. Set up by the Charity’s Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, the DofE is a unique personal development programme that allows young people to try new things, develop their interests and skills set, while working towards an achievement award which is recognised by employers and educational establishments across the globe. When it comes to looking for a job, college or University place, young people will be glad to have done their DofE, it looks great on a CV as it demonstrates commitment and dedication as well as a variety of key skills employers look for in young recruits- it’s also good fun!

What’s involved? A DofE participant follows their own programme of personal development in order to achieve their Award. Participants choose their own activities for each of the sections, meaning they are measured on activities they have an interest in and enjoy for each of the sections, introducing a new meaning of success to young people’s lives, outside of the classroom. At Bronze and Silver level, participants pick activities from each of these four sections: VOLUNTEERING: For example, helping out at an animal shelter, social media class or elderly people’s home PHYSICAL: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities – for example, this could be running, football or even Zumba! SKILLS: developing practical and social skills and personal interests – film making,

learning to drive, playing an instrument or learning to care for an animal all count! EXPEDITION: getting outdoors for an adventurous journey – planning, training for and completing a challenging journey in the UK or abroad is possibly the most exciting aspect of the DofE. At Gold level, there’s an additional RESIDENTIAL section to complete which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.

Making the DofE work… In a recent survey of DofE participants aged 16-18, 80 per cent said they think that having their DofE will help them to secure a job, with the Volunteering voted as the section young people felt would be prepare them for the workplace. But how does taking part in the DofE help young people to get a job? While it looks great to employers to have a highly sought after, nationally recognised achievement award on their CV, it’s important participants understand which skills they’ve developed as a result of taking part and how these will translate into working life. The survey also revealed that the DofE equips young people for working life with half of respondents stating they could demonstrate all five of the skills and attributes the CBI suggests as illustrative of a young person being ‘employable’. Two thirds stated that, in an interview situation, they could confidently demonstrate communication skills through their DofE experience and 89 per cent said they could work as part of a team, two attributes which will prove invaluable in the workplace.

48 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

What do employers think about the DofE? In a recent independent survey of UK employers by the United Learning Trust, the DofE was voted was the most valuable accolade a young person can have on their CV after academic qualifications. Entrepreneur and former Dragon Theo Paphitis says he actively looks for the DofE when he receives a CV. He says: “I believe the DofE gives young people the character, attitude and key skills which will allow them to do wonderful things throughout their lives. When I get a CV through, to see the DofE is a big tick in the box because I know they chose to do something that’s really hard. That they took up the challenge and saw it through. Achieving your Gold DofE is a huge tick in the box and really does change lives for the better.”

How do young people feel that their DofE is equipping them for the future? Helen White from Windsor previously worked towards her Silver DofE through her school. Helen said: “I wanted to do my DofE because it sounded like really good fun, especially the expedition. I could expand on a lot of my interests through my DofE activities; for example, I taught windsurfing to 8-15 year olds for my Volunteering section which helped me to learn to lead people and worked towards my goal of being an instructor. The DofE allowed me to try new things; I got bored staying in and not doing anything so it was a fun way of getting outdoors and doing something worthwhile with my time.”

IRELAND’S LARGEST RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR PURSUITS CENTRE BASED ON THE SHORES OF UPPER LOUGH ERNE IN LISNASKEA, CO FERMANAGH.

Adventure Camp is an exciting 7 day action packed holiday for children aged between 10 – 17 years old! Junior Camp for 10 – 14 year olds and Bushwacker Camp for 15 – 17 year olds. A time table of morning, afternoon and evening activities will be made up from over 30 activities, land, water and arts offered at Share Discovery Village. The price of £275 per child includes accommodation, all activities, all meals & 24 hour supervision!

Be a ‘local English Speaker’ in our International Activity Language Camp based at SHARE throughout July. Children aged 12 - 16 will join International guests in their activity programme encouraging them to speak English! Cost per week £250 per person.

Duke of Edinburgh Residential & Expeditions! Residentials run throughout the year from only £110. Residentials include Work Camp, Carer Companion, Language Camp and Halloween Camp. Enjoy new experiences and meet new friends through SHARE! SHARE is also a Duke of Edinburgh activity provider for Gold, Silver and Bronze award levels. Based on the idyllic shores of Upper Lough Erne, SHARE is ideally situated to provide a base for both canoeing and cycling expeditions. Our qualified and experienced instructors will provide both the equipment and expertise required to run a safe and successful expedition. Packages can be tailored to serve open award entrants or groups. More information to be found on www.sharevillage.org or contact Share Discovery Village Tel: 028 67722122 E: info@sharevillage.org

Adventure Camp Saturday 31st July – Sunday 7th August 2016 , Junior Camp 10 – 14 year olds , Bushwacker Camp 15 – 17 year olds

£275 per person

Price includes: Morning, Afternoon &

Evening Activities, Food, Accommodation 24 hour supervision

Duke of Edinburgh Residentials & Expeditions

Offering a range of Residentials, Expeditions, Canoe & Bike

Tel: 028 6772 2122 I e: info@sharevillage.org I w: www.sharevillage.org Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

‘We had a fantastic time and overall exceeded our expectations. We will definitely return and recommend to other families.’ The Chadwick Family

Take your family on an adventure they’ll never forget... JCA are experts in providing non-stop education and adventure trips for school and family groups alike. At Condover Hall, our breath-taking 16th Century Manor House in Shropshire, we offer families an action-packed stay including full board, all guided activities and use of all the facilities. Join us for three to four nights, spend some quality time together and see how the experience will help to strengthen your family bond. Whether you want to test Dad’s nerve on the high ropes, challenge Mum to the climbing wall or send the kids flying down the zip wire, there’s something for every member of the family!

GET IN TOUCH

NEW FOR 2016

Contact our family expert Bob today: 01273

647230

bob@jca-adventure.co.uk enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk www.jca-adventure.co.uk

mily Adventure weekend We’re thrilled to offer Fa off! g Condover Hall for 25% nin un st e th at 16 20 in breaks en making contact. Simply quote EFTM16 wh

15% DISCOUNT* FOR FIGHT THROUGH READERS QUOTE CODE: FTMS16

STORES NATIONWIDE | COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM *Selected lines only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Only valid upon production of military identiďŹ cation in store. Or use of discount code online. Offer expires 31.07.16

LEADING THE WAY Allow us to introduce Mr Mortimer, our Headmaster. His passion for education is only matched by his love of sport – a keen rower, he’s twice rowed the Atlantic. At Warminster we don’t only choose the best teachers to educate our pupils – we choose the most interesting ones. Collectively, our staff have walked the beat as a Special Constable, played Worldclass rugby, led expeditions, directed West End musicals, surfed at a national level and climbed Kilimanjaro. Individually, we are diverse in our interests, driven in our passions and determined to work together to do things a little differently. If you are too, then get in touch.

Please register online to attend our Open Day on 7 or 14 May 2016 www.warminsterschool.org.uk admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk 01985 210160