Education for the Military - Autumn Edition 2015 by Education for the Military Ltd

www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

AUTUMN EDITION 2015

BOARDING SCHOOLS (Part 3) More to consider when choosing schools

CCF

Combined Cadet Forces builds character, says Barnard Castle School

ROPE ACCESS

FINANCE THE ARMED FORCES, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

DISCOVER WARMINSTER OUR OPEN MORNINGS SENIOR SCHOOL SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2015 SATURDAY 7 MAY 2016 PREP SCHOOL SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2015 SATURDAY 14 MAY 2016 Visit Warminster School and discover how our teaching staff can inspire your child and nurture their natural gifts and talents 01985 210160 admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk www.warminsterschool.org.uk

>CONTENTS FEATURES I ndependent C o -e duCatIonal S Chool

Senior School (11-18) Boarding and Day

Happy and fulfilling all-round education Strong academic achievement Excellent pastoral care Extensive range of extra activities including CCF and outdoor pursuits Attractive and competitive Services Package

> FORWARD ASSIST

> SIR CLIVE SINCLAIR

> NURSERY

> STATE BOARDING

> BOARDING SCHOOLS

> THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

> CCF

> FAITH SCHOOLS

> SEN

Forces-Veteran-Citizen

Every Child Can Code scheme

SBSA - Can I afford Boarding

Combined Cadet Forces builds character, says Barney

Autism and the Military Child

> COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY

> ELCAS

> ROPE ACCESS

> FINANCE

> RECRUITMENT

Getting the most out of your funding

SPECIAL THANKS TO: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Forward Assist, Dr David Levy / Sir Clive Sinclair, REESON Education, Boundary Oak School, SBSA, James Yeo, Barnard Castle School, Spectrum Success, Wellbeck College, Bailey Employment Services, MK Car Finance, AAA Rope Access, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, The RSH Trust, Kip McGrath & all advertisers. IMAGES BY: Professionalimages, Barnard Castle School (Front Cover) & thanks to all other image contributors. PUBLISHED BY: © Education for the Military Ltd FOLLOW US: @educationmat @fighthroughmag

What you need to know to begin a career in Rope Access

Written By: MK Car Finance

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

Please ring 01884 252543 for more details or to arrange a visit.

www.blundells.org Tiverton • Devon • EX16 4DN

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EDITOR: Joanne Nattress, joanne@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

DESIGN: CS Design - chris@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk © Education for the Military Ltd 2015. 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.

Never-ending support for our soldiers. Since 1944.

A grant towards a rent deposit can bring a soldier in from today’s ‘No Man’s Land’. Some former soldiers can have great difficulty securing a place to live. They may have a low credit score after years spent moving from place to place or struggle with affording property in a challenging housing market. Lack of funds can place the all-important rent deposit out of reach. Supporters like you enable us to give grants that literally open doors for these soldiers, giving them the deposit they need to get out of No Man’s Land. The impact of these grants was lifechanging for Jason in Perthshire. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps until an injury led to a medical discharge. He now works two jobs to help make ends meet. He had nowhere to live and was staying with friends for a time. Now, thanks to a grant for a rent deposit from The Soldiers’ Charity, Jason has finally managed to secure his own flat.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (039189). Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609). Registered Office: Mountbarrow House 6-20 Elizabeth Street London SW1W 9RB Tel: 020 7901 8900 Email: fundraising@soldierscharity.org

> News

FORWARD ASSIST

FORCES-VETERAN-CITIZEN Written By: Colin Hutchinson, Operations Director, Forward Assist

orward Assist is a veteran support service based in North Tyneside that offers person centred oriented support and guidance to ex-servicemen and women who are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to a new life as a civilian. The organisation support programmes are designed for ex-servicemen and women who have involvement with the criminal justice system and/ or are experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, housing problems, mental health difficulties and social exclusion. Every year an estimated 8,000-16,000 people leave the Armed Forces and return to live and work in the civilian community. For many the transition is seamless, yet for a significant number the journey is made difficult by an inability to re-establish themselves and settle back into in a society they no longer identify with. This process may lead to relationship difficulties, alcohol and drug misuse, unemployment, homelessness, involvement with the Criminal Justice System, and for those suffering from diagnosed or undiagnosed PTSD, self-imposed isolation, self-harm or suicide. An increasing number may find that they become marginalised and disenfranchised from main stream services and support and as a result experience chronic social exclusion and are accessing mental health services, social services support, drug and alcohol services. In response to this Forward Assist have empowered those that have served their country and by doing so enable them to gain control and choice over their own recovery pathway and that of their fellow comrades so that they can then make a positive contribution to society. After the initial transition to civilian life, many of our servicemen & women progress onto very meaningful & successful lives. However for the growing number who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there follows a lengthy period of resettlement, boredom, frustration and isolation; these can be the biggest challenges facing an individual during this time. By bringing those, at different stages of their resettlement journey together and by

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using a holistic & therapeutic approach to mental, physical and social rehabilitation, Forward Assist aims to make a difference by restoring self - respect and inspiring individuals to fulfil their full potential. We promote positive mental and physical health through the provision of activities that improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation especially those experiencing poor-health, disability and/or post traumatic stress disorder. The therapeutic aspect of our service is based on group activities, sport, education and personal development. By promoting and encouraging mutual support self-help between serving personnel and veterans past and present we develop a role and sense of purpose for those that have felt disaffected following a return to the civilian community. Forward Assist has a track record of providing a physically safe and psychologically secure environment to aid those who have served in the UK Armed Forces. Many of whom have suffered physical injury and/or acute stress as a result of their service to their country. Veterans in contact with Forward Assist have had the following presenting issues: Physical Ill Health, Mental Health Issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Employment Issues, Homelessness, Drugs and Alcohol Issues, Family Breakdown, perpetrators and victims of Domestic Violence, Social Exclusion / Isolation, need for welfare advice, Life Skills, Debt Management, Legal assistance. Whilst combining the opportunity to learn new skills and by promoting social integration Forward Assist assists serving personnel and veterans back into the communities of their choice and by doing so improves the possibility of a meaningful and rewarding future. We do this in order to help veterans utilise and translate military skills into meaningful activity within the civilian community and work place. We ensure new skills are learnt and used to best effect and compliment and aid an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assimilation back to the community.

> News Written By: Dr David Levy, Chairman of Retro Computers Ltd / Sir Clive Sinclair

SIR CLIVE SINCLAIR’S TEAM LANCHES NEW CHILD CODING SCHEME A new interactive educational initiative called “Every Child Can Code” is announced today for teaching children to code computers. The scheme will cater for children from age 7 or even younger. Sir Clive Sinclair’s team at Retro Computers Ltd, which recently launched the ZX Vega games console, plans to encourage and enable children to code their own games programs. The children can then exchange their games with each other via email, and the company will put the best games submitted to it on the web site www. EveryChildCanCode.org for everyone to enjoy. Dr David Levy, Chairman of Retro Computers Ltd, said: “Sir Clive’s Spectrum computer spawned an entire generation of young computer coders during the 1980, making the UK the world leader in this field.

We aim to create the same level of enthusiasm for coding amongst today’s youngsters. Nowadays computer code lies at the heart of so many products and services that coding is a vital skill which should be learnt by everyone at school.” A key component in the Every Child Can Code scheme is a unique child-friendly software “coding teacher”, which monitors a child as they code their programs, it warns the child when they have made a coding error, and it assists the child in understanding what they have done wrong in their coding and how to put things right. The new coding learning scheme will be free of charge and is being launched today for the start of the new school year. The scheme is for all children, not just those who own or have access to a ZX Vega. In parallel with the Every Child Can Code scheme Retro Computers Ltd have also announced today the inauguration of the National Schools Coding Championships. There will be one division for primary and prep schools, and another division for secondary and independent schools and sixth-form colleges. Every school in the UK can take part. The prizewinning entries will be added to future versions of the ZX Vega’s collection of 1,000 games.

Both initiatives aim to encourage schoolchildren to learn and enjoy coding, which is a vital skill for today’s and tomorrow’s world. Sir Clive Sinclair said: “Many children already find coding to be fun and rewarding. With the National Schools Coding Championships we are adding the excitement of competition to the reasons why more children will take up coding with enthusiasm. Our aim with these championships, as with the entire Every Child Can Code scheme, is to encourage the growth of a new generation of coders in the UK, so our country can once again become a world leader in this field.”

“The new coding learning scheme will be free of charge and is being launched for the start of the new school year.” The ZX Vega is already available for purchase on the web site www.zxvega.co.uk. From mid-September it will also be available from Amazon and other online and High Street retailers. For full details of the Every Child Can Code scheme and the National Schools Coding Championship visit www.EveryChildCanCode.org

(Insert I) Dr David Levy, Chairman of Retro Computers Ltd / (Main) The ZX Vega Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 07

> News Written By: REESON Education

SCHOOLS FACING AN UNPRECEDENTED

SHORTAGE OF

TEACHERS

eacher recruitment is becoming more difficult today in Britain as the economy picks up and competition for new graduates increases. Schools Minister Nick Gibb said recently: “Recruitment is a challenge as the economy improves and competition for new graduates intensifies, which is why we are focused on attracting more top graduates into the profession, particularly in the core academic subjects that help children reach their potential”. As one of the countries leading teacher recruitment agencies, Reeson Education believes…. The UK has a growing school-age population and according to official figures there will be 900,000 more pupils in state schools in England over the next decade. The expected number of new pupils is equivalent to around 11,000 additional classes over the next few years alone and there is not sufficient capital to meet this requirement. To address the shortage the government needs to go further to attract the best graduates into the profession and

“Teacher recruitment is becoming more difficult today in Britain as the economy picks up and competition for new graduates increases.” then to retain them. Schools do not just need teachers in terms of numbers they need outstanding teachers and outstanding teachers that stay in the teaching profession. REESON Education is not only committed to attracting and retaining the best teachers in the market place we are also committed to developing our teachers and providing continued professional development. Department for Education figures released show almost one in

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hundred full-time teaching vacancies in England either remained vacant or were filled by temporary staff in 2014. In addition, there were 1,030 vacancies in November 2014, up by a third on 2013, the highest since 2010, when the department began compiling figures. Other figures released show: > Contracted teachers of between one and three terms accounted for 3,210 posts, a rise of 38% on 2013. > Total teacher numbers, of 454,900, was up to, at more than 5,000, an all-time high. > The number of English, maths and science teachers with a relevant post-A-Level qualification however, dropped a little over the same period: > In maths, from 77.6% to 75.8%, > In English, from 79.9% to 79.4% > In science, from 85.7% to 84.9% Schools Minister Nick Gibb went on to say: “Our recruitment campaign ‘Your Future Their Future’ is working, with registrations to our ‘Get into Teaching’ website up by almost 30% compared with last year. We continue to offer bursaries of up to £25,000 as well as scholarships in priority subjects such as physics and maths. We are driving forward our £67m package to transform science, technology, engineering and maths teaching and recruit up to 2,500 additional maths and physics teachers.” But not all are convinced. Education workforce expert John Howson has said: “The acceptances for entry into training in 2015 will not be sufficient…. so we now know that recruitment for some schools, especially in and around London, but not exclusively in this area, will again be a challenge in 2016.” Armed Forces Leavers could help fill the gap, by utilising the Troops to Teachers initiative. Your teaching qualifications can be obtained through the funding. The transferable skills you have as members of the forces are second to none. Would you like to help the next Generation, to learn and achieve more than they have ever dreamed of? Then please see the following pages of Universities, and Teacher Training providers that can get you reading to teach.

> News Provided By: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity

TAKE ON THE SPICY COOKIE ROULETTE FOR SOLDIERS’ CHARITY BIG CURRY

s part of the annual Big Curry month of October, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has launched a fiery challenge: Cookie Roulette – one of the six specially made cookies will be laced with hot chilli. Dare you take on the challenge? Each October thousands of individuals, groups of friends, and businesses raise funds for The Soldiers’ Charity, the National Charity of the British Army, by hosting a Big Curry. This year to turn up the temperature, the Charity is launching Cookie Roulette, where one cookie will be spiced with fiery curry powder. The cookies, made by Queen of Hearts Cookie Company, will be available in limitededition packs from their website (www.biscuit.gift). The money raised by

the cookie sales and Big Curry goes towards helping thousands of soldiers, veterans and their immediate families. The Soldiers’ Charity has spent more that £4.5 million on grants in the last 12 months alone. Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, comments: “Each year thousands of people got to great lengths to raise money for us, and this is definitely one for brave. Not only is this a fun challenge, unless you get the curry cookie, it also raises necessary money for the soldiers or veterans who may need help.” MORE ABOUT BIG CURRY: It’s easy to get involved in the Big Curry. EAT IN: Hold a curry night at home (homecooked or take-away) and ask your guests to ‘pay’ in donations

EAT OUT: Visit your local pub or curry house with friends or family and match the price of the meal in donations You’ll find lots of fundraising ideas, resources and recipes on our website. How you host your Big Curry is up to you – but whatever you do, please do something, because our soldiers need us just as much as we need them. WHEN: throughout the month of October WHERE: in your home, your office, your local pub, takeaway...wherever you like! HOW MUCH: why not raise money by selling tickets, hold a raffle or sponsored chilli challenge? WEB: www.soldierscharity.org/bigcurry or phone 0207 811 3202

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> Nursery Written By: Boundary Oak School

LITTLE OAKS MUD KITCHEN

he Nursery at Boundary Oak School is housed in a secure and purposebuilt oak-framed building offering a homely feel with plenty of safe playing space, both inside and out. Set in 23 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside, Boundary Oak School is a coeducational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 – 13 years. Children here are treated as an individual within a family community. School life is a happy learning journey, which is achieved thanks to the friendly atmosphere and beautiful rural surroundings. To support their core curriculum learning, Boundary Oak Nursery near Fareham ensures that what the children learn indoors is enhanced and built upon outside. A short walk across to their own Woodland Classroom takes them on many adventures. It’s great for young explorers who love to recall what they have learnt while out and about, what they have found, and discuss what they have achieved. This outdoor learning environment is used throughout the week, come rain or shine. Forest Fridays are a big favourite among the children each week, where the children put on their wellies and head off to the woods for a variety of activities. Headmistress Mrs Kellett said: ‘Our extensive school grounds allow the children to be able to experience the great outdoors as part of their education and development. One of our aims is for each child to overcome whatever challenges they may face while helping them to grow to be happy, comfortable and confident individuals.’ ‘Spending time in the great outdoors is also great for little ones communication skills. There are no predefined toys in the woods and so the children need to talk and explain to others about what they are doing or making. There are lots of budding magicians at Boundary Oak who love turning their sticks into wands!’ Outdoor Learning Days support all the areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, not just physical development. Being 200 meters away from the main Nursery building, the school’s woodland

area is close enough for children and staff to enjoy a short walk to, but far enough away for them to enjoy a quieter environment where they are able to listen out for sounds such as twigs snapping and the rustle of leaves. The children of Boundary Oak learn to interact with each other in a caring environment through play and learning based activities. Children from the Nursery and Reception Class follow the EYFS framework, which focuses on preparing each individual child for its future learning and successes. Recently launched, they now also relish in getting their hands dirty with their newly built outdoor mud kitchen. Research shows that playing in the mud can make you happier and our children are certainly proof of that! In addition to mud increasing the levels of serotonin in our brains it also allows young minds to create happy memories, connects one with nature as well as being beneficial to a child’s immune system. Back in the classroom, the Early Years staff at the Boundary Oak setting work together to provide a rich and stimulating learning environment. French and Sport are taught by specialist teachers and all of the Early Years children take part

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

in sports day, school plays and sing-a-longs. The popular Nursery at Boundary Oak also benefits from an interactive white board as well as using the latest learning tools such as The Tapestry System. Learning Journals such as these, have grown in popularity over the years and offer early years settings a way of recording a child’s development, special moments and play with their friends. The staff here ensure each child is learning and developing at their own pace while following the child’s interests. Although structured learning plays a part in their day, the children dictate much of what goes on in the Nursery. Should your child wish to continue up the school, transition to the Reception class is smooth

and non-stressful for each child. When the time comes they are happy, ready and excited to move up into ‘Big School’. PE and PSHE are taught together with the Reception class throughout the year with regular visits to the classroom as part of the summer term routine. Full-time children also enjoy a cooked lunch in the dining hall together with the rest of the school each day. As pupils grow through the school, they grow as people too. “We are proud of our academic record and the fantastic success that our pupil’s experience, but we are even prouder of the happy, confident and enthusiastic children who are the heartbeat of our school.” said Proprietor, Aaron Stewart.

Boundary Oak Nursery welcomes families to visit anytime to see the school in action or for a ‘Stay and Play’ taster session. For more information please contact Jo Ekin on 01329 280 955 or email registrar@boundaryoak.co.uk. Further information can also be found on their website www.boundaryoakschool.co.uk

ADOPT WITH SSAFA Armed Forces charity SSAFA is a registered adoption agency. We have over 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience supporting the military with adoption. To find out more: 020 7463 9326 adoption@ssafa.org.uk www.ssafa.org.uk/adoption Registered Charity No. 210760 and SC038056. Est. 1885. S001.0315

CAN I AFFORD BOARDING?

FIND OUT WHY STATE BOARDING SCHOOLS COULD PROVE THE SMARTER CHOICE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES Written By: State Boarding Schools’ Associaition (SBSA)

ffering high-quality education, state-ofthe-art facilities and exceptional pastoral care at less than half of the cost of the independent sector, it’s no wonder state boarding is so popular with forces families whose children make up 10 per cent of state boarders. Whilst state boarding is open to any pupil with a UK or EU passport, around 10 per cent of

children in the state boarding system are from service families. Fees are kept to around £4,000 per term – well below the maximum Continuity of Education Allowance –because the education element is paid for by the state and parents only cover the cost of boarding. As state boarding schools are, however, often mistaken for independent schools it’s clear that value doesn’t come at the

Smart kids

Smart parents

Choose a state boarding school and save more than 50%

State boarding is less than half the cost of independent boarding because the government pays for the education

Call: 020 7798 1580 A smart choice for your child

www.sbsa.org.uk

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

expense of quality. Each year state boarding schools regularly out-perform other state schools and top many academic league tables throughout the country. Notably nine of the Sunday Times Top 100 State Schools 2014 were state boarding schools. State boarding schools punch above their weight academically because the quality of the teaching is frequently judged as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and the stability offered by the boarding community enables pupils to grow in confidence and make the most of their respective abilities. Of course the concept of a ‘good education’ goes way beyond a tally of A-grades - there are many other benefits to a state boarding education. The quality of facilities in state boarding schools is now indistinguishable from those in the independent sector following a £20 million programme of investment in boarding accommodation. Fully-equipped health centres and modern home comforts have replaced the outmoded concepts of a ‘visit to matron’ and the school dorm. Top quality sports and arts facilities underpin a packed programme of worthwhile evening and weekend activities and many too offer comprehensive Combined Cadet Force programmes, particularly popular with military families. Another tick in the box for state boarding is that it produces well-rounded, responsible children able to get along with others, often from different backgrounds. As well as the ready-made circle of friends in

their boarding house pupils also have a chance to mix with local children attending the school on a day basis and are encouraged to involve themselves in their local community. Perhaps, however, the single biggest benefit state boarding can offer the children of those serving in the forces is the stability and consistency that is so often missing due to the demands of military life. Whilst mobility is a career necessity for serving families it often means children changing schools, and sometimes even between different educational systems. Such moves make it harder for children to form friendships and fulfil their academic potential and this is where boarding comes into its own for the continuity it offers. Many parents too are looking to the possibility of life beyond the military as defence reviews continue and therefore must consider the long-term affordability of any education choices made now in light of the potential loss of CEA at some point during their child or children’s secondary education. It is perhaps therefore affordable stability that is state boarding’s most compelling benefit for service personnel: the reassurance that children are well-cared for, are learning and are achieving their potential with the additional peace of mind offered by the affordability, whatever the future may hold. Further information can be found at www.sbsa.org.uk where you can also download a free Parent’s Guide.

> State Boarding Written By: P. Storrie, 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

“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...” 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.”

Want to ﬁnd out more? The school website is www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

ST GEORGE’S SSCHOOL CHO O L

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HHARPENDEN A R P E N D– HERTFORDSHIRE EN- HERTFORD

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Welcoming service families for over 100 years St George’s is a school where students moreinformation m m tion and ma pleaseseeour website: w we bsite:house. live in a cosy, traditional boarding canFor learn inmo an reinforma exceptional environment 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 www www. stgeorges.he h rt he r s.sch.uk u 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

> Boarding Schools Written By: Colonel R A Field-Smith MBE MA Chairman, Royal School Hampstead Trust

MORE TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SCHOOLS.

n this next article I am going to give you more detail on the structure of school education in the UK, something about assessment and what you should consider when making a choice of schools. You will know that children’s education comprises a number of stages, primary up to age 11, and secondary up to age 16, after which there is further, in colleges, or higher, at university, education. School years start at year 1 for those aged 5-6, up to year 11 for those aged 16 – just add 5 to the school year to work out the child’s age. “Infant” is used to cover the years up to Year 2, with Year R (Reception) for children who are “rising 5”. The 4 parts of the UK broadly use a similar structure though the terms used to describe it may differ! In the private system schools traditionally placed the break between primary and secondary at age 13. It is still quite common for private “prep” schools to offer education up to age 13. Private secondary schools may not take children until 13, but others are more flexible, especially if they are part of through school provision on connected sites. Many secondary schools, in both the state and private sector, also offer provision past the statutory end age of 16 to include two years of “sixth form” for years 12 and 13. In terms of tests and examinations, in the state system in England all children are given SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) at the end of year 2, year 6 and year 9. They are used to show children’s progress compared with others born in the same month. For Key Stage 1 (years R to 2) teacher assessments in May of Year 2 cover reading, writing, maths and science. For Key Stage 2 (years 3 to 6) the tests taken in year 6 cover the three core subjects, English, Maths and Science. The papers are sent away to be marked with results in July. The Key Stage 3 teacher assessments for 14 year olds cover a full range of subjects to predict how well pupils might do in GCSE exams. A system of teacher assessments takes place in schools in Wales and Northern Ireland and the Scottish government has recently announced national tests at primary level. Some of the tests mentioned above are published nationally in league tables. Private schools are not required to use SATs, but some do, and most mirror the approach in the way they assess and report on children. Key external exams are generally GCSE in year 11, and A/AS level in years 12 and 13, although private schools increasingly offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). It is important that you understand at what stage your child is in school, and what the general standards of achievement are in any year or stage. Schools should offer such information to parents of existing or prospective pupils. If in doubt, or if you think you have missed something, it is important to ask! At secondary level pupils will start to narrow their range of study, to enable them to achieve most in subjects which they enjoy and in which they perform best. Again parents should ensure they know what subjects are on offer, especially in the areas of languages, the arts and technology. This is particularly important when a change of schools is contemplated after Year 6, or where it is necessary for a child to change schools later in the secondary stage.

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

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.

> Boarding Schools Written By: Knighton House School

Key factors to consider about boarding schools.

s a school that continues to welcome boarders from the armed forces we are aware of the often unique position the parents and pupils face. Frequent moves around the country, and world, mean that by the age of eight children have already attended three or more schools. Knighton House provides a real home from home for all boarders. As a small all girls boarding prep-school of 80 pupils there is a real family feel. It is key for us to make the adjustment to boarding for all of our pupils as smooth as possible and to ensure that pupils don’t feel isolated if their family is posted overseas or on active service. To do this we provide excellent pastoral care, pupils are encouraged to bring in their pets to board with them (from guinea pigs, rabbits to ponies!), and dormitories are very cosy with family pictures adorning walls and bedside tables. Evenings and weekends are busy with

a variety of themes and activities as well as helping with the other school pets: alpacas, ponies, pygmy goats and chickens. Letter writing, calls and skyping at weekends allows the girls to keep in close contact with home. As a school with a long connection to all of the armed forces we place high value on military service and recognise significant events e.g. our annual remembrance service. We recognise that it is crucial to ensure that parents, no matter where in the word, feel part of their daughter’s school life. Of course the staff, both teaching and pastoral, are on email to answer immediately any questions or concern. Consistent close contact with parents ensures we are up to date with information which is shared with key staff and monitored. The boarders’ blog shows parents what fun the girls get up to at weekends and parents are sent photos of their children at the end of each weekend.

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

Lieutenant Colonel T J Southwood RAMC “After several return visits to Knighton House, as well as visiting many other schools, our gut feeling told us that Knighton House was the right one. This was not because the others were not as impressively catered for in terms of facilities but because we thought that it would be where Lucy might fit in best; and we were right! There is a warm and welcoming feel to the school and a great buzz as the girls move around the school. Lucy has been there for five years and will soon leave to go to her senior school. Over the years we have seen her grow into a confident and articulate young lady and most importantly has benefitted from a wonderful education that will prepare for senior school and beyond. The benefits of stability, quality teaching, small class sizes and a supportive, individualised approach has been realised with a great set of results, all achieved without exerting pressure. As your search for a school grows you will gather a multitude of glossy prospectuses that expound the virtues of each school. Knighton House has met all the claims made in its prospectus and so much more. Such is our confidence in the school, its staff and its whole ethos that our middle daughter, Katie started there two years ago age 7 and now our youngest, Georgie has just joined the Knighton family. At the point of embarking on the boarding journey with our eldest we would never have believed that our 2 younger daughters would have started at 7, but knowing the school like we now do, this was an easy decision to make. On starting at Knighton, this was Katie’s third school and Georgie’s fifth! We really did not want them to miss out on the stability and wonderful experiences and opportunities that Lucy has had as a result of boarding. If I was asked to describe some common ground between a life in the Armed Forces and a boarding school it would be about family and being there for each other regardless of situation; that’s what being at Knighton House is all about”. Lieutenant Colonel T J Southwood RAMC

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

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100% entry to first choice senior schools

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Excellent scholarship results

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Full weekend programme of activities

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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.

New Junior Boarding House Opening in September 2015 ly i le k b x e e e la W d Fl vai an ng A di r a Bo

Registered Charity number: 307048

Farlington School is delighted to announce that it is opening a new Junior Boarding House, Fishponds, in September 2015. Fishponds Boarding House will be a self-contained house with a kitchen, living room and facilities for 12 Boarders ranging in age from 8 to 13. Farlington is an outstanding 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 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 Written By: Boundary Oak School

ENHANCING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, ATTITUDE AND ASPIRATIONS

THROUGH SPORT

ith 23 acres of beautiful grounds Boundary Oak School, located near Fareham, is home to the ideal place for pupils to gain sporting success. Inter school Cross Country events, Rugby tournaments, Swimming Galas and soon to be triathlons are just some of the sporting activities that take place here. The Hampshire based prep school offers day and boarding for boys and girls up to 13 years. Boarding facilities are top class with their boarding house currently being renovated to provides a high standard of accommodation for our resident pupils. Work will be completed over the Easter holidays 2015. Last years cross country event proved to be a huge success for the independent prep school. Proprietor of the school, Aaron Stewart, was delighted with the turn out. “There were wonderful scenes at Boundary Oak as we welcomed 150 pupils from local schools to our Cross Country event. Many thanks to all the schools and pupils that participated and to the parents and grandparents that came to support.” The independent prep school ensure that takes children from age 2 to 13, have at least 8 hours of physical education and sport within their curriculum timetable each week. Organised events held throughout the year help to keep the children motivated and enthused. The school also has many visits from professional athletics who come and spend time working with the children to help them to work towards and achieve their goals. Not just in sport, but in life. Olympic medalists Dan Robinson and Peter Waterfield are just some of the popular visitors that Boundary Oak has welcomed recently. Sport programmes’ play a major role in pupils academic performance, attitude and relationships. Head of Sport Joe Davis commented; “Sport enhances the academic achievement, attitude and aspirations of children, which is vital to their development and something we see in our pupils. By reaching outside the traditional educational roles we’re able to keep them engaged and enthused, thus aiding them in the classroom.” Elizabeth Thomas, 9 who ran in the Year 5 cross country race spoke fondly about the event: “We raced against 7 different schools, with three different races. There was a lot of shouting and cheering from all the children. “We had to run 2 laps, then through the woods, down the side and under the arch before running up the drive and doing another lap around the field. I’m really pleased I did it and made it to the end.” The Cross Country event, was been set up by Boundary Oak School to give children a chance to compete and have fun whilst getting fit. In doing so, it also enables schools to engage within the local community. Hazel Kellett, Headmistress said “With 23 acres of fields and woodland, our location is ideal for hosting such an event and we were keen to get other schools involved so that they can experience it too. The feedback has been fantastic and we will definitely be making this an annual addition to the sporting calendar. “It was great to have such a fantastic turn out to this as we do with our other events. The pupils did extremely well as the courses were tough, but they were all determined to get to the end and everyone did. The headmistress and mathematician talked about what makes hosting these events so important. “All of the children, teachers and supporters, no matter what school they came from, got together and cheered on those children for whom sport is not something that they excel at. For every child crossing the finish line or getting to the end was a special moment. Their sense of achievement was palpable” she added.

The school welcome you to visit them any time where you can enjoy a tour of the school, including the boarding house, while finding out what else makes this school such a great place for children to live, learn and grow. For more information or if you have any questions please contact the school on 01329 280955 or email registrar@boundaryoak.co.uk Boundary Oak School, off Wickham Road, Fareham, caters for girls and boys between 2 - 13 years old. It is set within 23 acres of rural countryside and includes a grade II listed building. Facilities include a swimming pool, football and rugby pitches, athletics track, a theatre and floodlit astro surface. www.boundaryoakschool.co.uk

> News Written By: Flight Lieutenant James Yeo – Officer Commanding

Rockport School DISCOUNTS

A Learning Adventure

QUALIFYING EXPEDITION TAKES UNEXPECTED TURN

FOR

HM FORCES

Small class sizes

Excellent academic results Individual pastoral care Preparation for 11+, Common Entrance and Sixth Form entry A-Levels from September 2015

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

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

ine cadets from 111 (Sunderland) Squadron have recently completed a qualifying Duke of Edinburgh expedition where one group rendered aid to a hurt rambler. The rambler, who recorded her thanks via video, caught up with check point staff further round the route. She said: “I took a tumble on slippery rocks round the Pennine Way, the cadets instantly began asking first aid questions and offered antiseptic wipes and sticking plasters. They did themselves and the Squadron proud and my husband and I are extremely grateful.” First aid is an essential skill taught by the Squadron on parade nights and weekend courses, the cadets who pass the assessment are eligible to wear the St John Ambulance Youth First Aid badge. Cadet Atkinson, 14, said “I would like to thank Flight Sergeant Wilkinson and Flight Sergeant Ellwood for teaching us how to deal with this kind of situation, it was extremely rewarding to be able to help someone and really put the skills to use in a real life environment. The Duke of Edinburgh award is available free of charge from the Air Training Corps and consists of a volunteering

assignment, physical section, skill section and an expedition. There are three levels of award, Bronze, Silver and Gold. A Gold award is often viewed by employers an A-Level equivalent. Flight Lieutenant James Yeo, Officer Commanding, added: “I am extremely proud of our cadets for their quick thinking and selfless act of kindness to a stranger. Incidents like this really cement what the Air Training Corps is all about, providing skills for life, skills that can often save lives.” 111 Squadron is the Sunderland branch of the ATC, offering young people flying, gliding, sports, adventure training and nationally recognised qualifications. The joining age is 12 years old and subscriptions currently cost £14 per month. The Squadron meets at the ATC Hq on Tay Road, Thorney Close every Tuesday and Friday evening from 19:00. More information can be found at 111squadronATC.co.uk and the video of thanks can be seen by searching ‘111 (Sunderland) Squadron’ on Facebook.

S a u r OP E t sd 9. urd ay N 3 0 a y 8 DA Y am 7t th h Oc S – N to 11 o v b .3 em er 0 + am ber

S. Anselm’s Preparatory School in Bakewell is a happy and thriving independent day and boarding school, giving boys and girls from 3 to 13 the very best start in life. With experience of Forces children we seek to support them and their families as much as possible. • Full weekend and evening activity programme. • Small class sizes with committed and caring teaching staff. • Dedicated buses from Sheffield, Ashbourne and Matlock. • Superlative sporting, drama, art and music facilities. • Scholarships and awards to major senior schools including Repton, Oundle and Shrewsbury. • Sport, Art, Music and Drama scholarships available at 9+ and 11+. • HM Forces bursaries. • Escorted travel to and from railway stations or airports. • Only 1 hour from Manchester, East Midlands and Birmingham airports.

You are welcome to come and visit any time, call 01629 812734 or email headmaster@anselms.co.uk to register for our Open Days. Stanedge Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DP

Visit our website: www.sanselms.co.uk

OUR DUKIES LOVE A CHALLENGE

Welcoming new students The Duke of York’s Royal Military School takes applications from any student aged 11 to 18 wishing to board with us as they study for their GCSE’s and A Levels. From September 2015, we are pleased to offer the increased flexibility of weekly boarding as well as full boarding. This means that with parental permission, students can opt to go home most weekends after Saturday lessons and commitments. If they choose to stay at School, weekends will continue to be active of course.

As a unique and iconic place to study for GCSEs and A Levels, our School regularly challenges our students – whether they be trekking in Borneo, tracking each other at CCF Camp, performing new dance routines on the big stage or proudly representing their school on Grand Day.

Tackling the jungle in Borneo Every two years, the School’s RSM organises a trip that will challenge students, building character and resilience. This year, they visited Borneo. Students trekked miles through the jungle encountering leeches, snakes, poisonous toads and insects along the way, lived simply in tin huts with no running water, learnt about the locals’ lives and saw wildlife such as crocodiles and monkeys completely at ease in their own habitat.

Graded good in all categories by Ofsted Graded Good in all categories by Ofsted, our students performed exceptionally well in their GCSE exams last year, performing significantly above the national average.

Quality education at a good price As a state boarding School, your child’s education is paid for by the state. You will only pay £3,940 per term (£11,820 per year) to cover the boarding costs. If you qualify for CEA, you will pay just £394 per term.

Quick links to London and Europe Trooping the Colour on Grand Day Admiral of the Fleet, The Lord Boyce, was guest of honour and Inspecting Officer at the School’s annual Grand Day celebrations in which pupils perform a Trooping the Colour ceremony. The whole school paraded in full ceremonial uniform, accompanied by the school’s Military band. The Lord Boyce, KG GCB OBE DL, told pupils and parents: “The Duke of York’s Royal Military School provides a haven of stability and security for children of forces families. Today, forces are working hard all round the world, on land, in the air, on water or under the water, and it’s of enormous worth to serving parents to know that their family is safe and being well educated.” Students performed a variety show of music, drama and dance for parents and friends on the night before Grand Day.

Camouﬂage and Camp building in Crowborough Meanwhile, 75 Year 10 and Year 12 students enjoyed their Combined Cadet Force week in Crowborough. Going on exercise, building fires, learning first aid and how to safely shoot a weapon in a controlled environment meant that these Dukies developed many new skills.

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

We are extremely proud of our military ethos and traditions, and students enjoy ceremonial parades, Combined Cadet Force and a variety of sports and activities. Set in 150 acres of Kentish countryside, the School is ideally located for quick links to London and Europe. The School’s £24.9 million building programme is now complete with a brand new Sports Hall and Drama Studio, Teaching Blocks and Sixth Form Boarding now available.

COME TO OUR OPEN DAY Our next Open Day is on Saturday 10 October 2015. To book your place or for a personal tour of the school, please call our Registrar on 01304 245073. www.doyrms.com

LEADERSHIP

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

Full and weekly boarding from September 2015 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.

Open Morning: Saturday 10 October 2015 Contact us to book a place or to arrange a personal tour and interview

Why choose us?

‘Good’ in all areas by Active lifestyle including • Graded • sport, music, drama and Ofsted. activities. GCSE success rate is • Our significantly higher than the £24.9 million refurbishment • national average. has delivered a new sports centre, high-quality student is encouraged • Every accommodation and to achieve their potential in

a supportive community.

teaching blocks and a performing arts centre.

ethos helps develop • Military have the flexibility • Students character and life skills. of full and weekly boarding 2015/16 fees are just £11,820* per year.

from September 2015.

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

> CCF

Written By: Barnard Castle School

COMBINED CADET FORCES BUILDS CHARACTER, SAYS BARNEY

s 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. CCF, 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. > Lieutenant Ed Challis looks after a young goat

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 small-bore 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

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

> Barnard Castle School CCF Pupils adventure pupils get from 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.

For more information on Barnard Castle School, please visit www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

AUTUMN 2015 OPEN DAY BUILDING FUTURES

Saturday 3 October from 09:30-11:30 Contact: Julia Simpson | T: +44(0)1833 696030 | admissions@barneyschool.org.uk We offer a forces fees discount and operate dedicated school bus services for military families “THE CHILDREN HAVE HAD GREAT OPPORTUNITIES, ACHIEVED GREAT RESULTS, MADE LIFELONG FRIENDS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY AND SETTLED.” Colonel David Clouston INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 4 TO 18 YEARS

10031 BCS Military Ad 210x148.indd 1

03/09/2015 18:25

Snapshot Mornings 2015: 2 October, 16 October, 6 November, 27 November. 2016: 15 January, 29 January, 5 February, 11 March, 22 April, 13 May, 17 June. HM Forces discount available “Rare to ﬁnd such an outstanding boarding school... Buzzes with conﬁdent, gregarious girls” – Good Schools Guide FRANC

Inspiring girls from 3 –18

HA LEAL

ETO GE

www.godolphin.org

> Faith Schools Written By: Fr Peter Williams, Senior Chaplain at Worth School

EVERYONE NEEDS A CHAPLAIN I never expected to be leading a Chaplaincy team in a Catholic independent school. My early experiences of seeing Chaplaincy ‘from the other side’ both as a boarder at school and subsequently during four years with the Royal Marines, had certainly not led to the conclusion that this might be my future path. But here I am, privileged to be working with a team of eight other monks to provide spiritual input, guidance and encouragement to the 590 boys and girls at Worth. Working alongside us are two Anglican priests, and teachers of both genders. We are available to everyone, including staff and parents, but of course our key focus is the students. The inter-weaving of Chaplaincy into the day-to-day running of the school is, for me, crucial to the future. While we gladly acknowledge the importance of traditional activities such as House prayers, whole community worship, Family Masses and confirmation classes, I feel strongly that we also need to meet students where they are in day-to-day life. As part of this, I’m delighted that this summer the Chaplaincy at Worth has been relocated to a bright, airy space at the heart of the campus. The Chaplaincy space is welcoming and, we hope, will be a drop-in

centre for students where they can go online, have a cup of tea and talk with a Chaplain if they want to. Another area where I feel a great sense of pride is in the involvement of students in caring for each other. There are four Year 13 students who act as Chaplaincy Prefects and they help to lead activities in the Houses, together with two Year 12 Chaplaincy reps in each House. They run Lectio Divina groups for the prayerful reading of Scripture and help with services in the Abbey Church. Last year we started the ‘Subiaco’ initiative which created student-led groups to encourage faith, friendship – and fun! While Worth is a Catholic Benedictine School, all denominations are welcome here and they participate fully in the Chaplaincy. In the next 12 months we will go one step further when a small group of young adult Christians come to live on-site. They should be great friends and role models for the students. If you ask students here to describe Worth, often the first word they will use is “friendly”. This seems to be true, even to the very casual visitor, and I have been surprised at the real friendships which flourish, not just with those in the same year group, but across the years. This is markedly different from when I was at school and must be a positive thing. Students also say that Worth is a very accepting community and, personally, I think this comes from the Benedictine tradition.

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

St Benedict is very clear that people are different and respond to different things so we must adapt to each person and not treat everyone the same. That rubs off on the students and I’m always fairly surprised at how accepting they are of other students and their characteristics. So they’ve picked up something!

“The inter-weaving of Chaplaincy into the day-to-day running of the school is, for me, crucial to the future.” By the time students leave Worth, my hope is that they will have been ‘formed’ and developed to a stage where they can explore what their life is genuinely about, not just what others think is good. If you can teach somebody how to pray, or leave them with a way to learn how to pray, then that is a tremendous gift. It will sustain you through anything, and I want at least to have planted that message.

www.worthschool.org.uk

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE

OPEN DAYS

2015 3RD OCT 21ST NOV

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

www.worthschool.org.uk

> SEN Written By: Sarah & Emma from Spectrum Success

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.” (NICE QS 51, 2014)

What are the symptoms of autism? Someone with autism is likely to exhibit: > Differences in the way they think and behave e.g. limited interests and/or rigid and repetitive behaviours. > Differences in, and difficulties with, social interaction, communication and language. > Sensory difficulties. > A range of cognitive, learning, language, medical, emotional and behavioural issues.

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: > > > > > > >

What issues do learners with autism have at school?

Taking into account the learner’s needs when planning activities. Using careful language to convey their meaning. Being aware that their body language may not be ‘read’. Avoiding rhetorical questions, idioms and sarcasm. Checking the learner fully understands what is being asked of them. Ensuring that classroom support is sufficient for the learner’s needs. Ensuring that the SENCo and parents are fully involved in the child’s educational progress. > 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/childrens-educationadvisory-service). > Getting specialist autism training (our details are below).

Over 70% of learners with an ASC are in mainstream educational settings but many fail to reach their full academic potential.

Hopefully this very brief and simple article has provided a basis to help support your military child with autism.

Autistic learners may be affected with sensory overload at school when they get over-whelmed by activities such as:

Yours, Sarah and Emma

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).

> > > > >

PE team games or other tasks involving teamwork. Any noisy activities. Unstructured social times e.g. break and lunchtimes. Negotiating busy corridors. Changes in rooms, teachers, routines etc.

For further information regarding Spectrum Success: W: www.spectrumsuccess.co.uk E: info@spectrumsuccess.co.uk

> Private Tutoring Written By: Kip McGrath Educational Centres

GIVING YOUR CHILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE

ip McGrath Education Centres have been helping children with Reading, Spelling, English and Maths for over 35 years. There are now over 550 centres worldwide, with over 200 operating in the UK. Our experienced, professional and fully qualified teachers provide support to children who are finding schoolwork difficult, wish to excel or those students who are preparing for examinations or entrance exams. We understand that more often than not, the most common reason children struggle with maths and English is simply because of a lack of understanding, and should not be put down to lack of intelligence. We’ve even witnessed gifted children feeling insufficiently stretched by work which is beneath their capabilities, and subsequently lose interest in learning and slip down below their potential. At Kip McGrath, we firmly believe that any child can learn if they are taught properly and every child deserves the opportunity to access educational services to reach their full potential. Confidence is a key element, and that’s one of our focus areas with our students. Our proven methods of tuition are designed to teach any missing concepts of maths and English, which in turn will boost a child’s confidence, and help them make up any lost time so that they may have the opportunity to catch up with their peers. The programmes are designed to give students the motivation to succeed. Each child is an individual, and they all have different learning styles. We don’t label or categorise our students, and therefore create a completely individualised learning plan for that child, which is catered to meet their style of learning. Using our new, ground breaking, multi-million pound software, we are able to determine through our FREE assessment, with precision accuracy, the levels your child is at in their education. Our software, in combination with our manual activities and qualified teachers, who teach educational concepts, are able to ensure that students are not

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

given work that is too easy, nor too hard. The Kip McGrath system of tutoring is able to monitor a student’s progress and abilities to give them exactly the correct level of educational challenge. There are no ‘standard’ timeframes and progression is at the students’ pace, so that they never feel overwhelmed and therefore any sense of failure that they may have previously experienced is removed! Children try harder when they attend Kip McGrath Centre because they genuinely feel that they are progressing and improving. Our teachers only provide support where and when it’s needed. At Kip McGrath, we find that children are more productive and become more successful independent learners when taught on a oneto-one individualised learning programmes basis, but in a group environment. Online tutoring opens up a whole new world of possibilities for teachers, parents and students. We found that many parents wanted to enrol their child with us, but simply didn’t have the time to commit to a lesson time or a centre nearby. However, with a computer and a steady internet connection, they can still receive all of the benefits provided by our unique, proven methods of tuition with a qualified teacher online. For more information and details of your nearest centre, please visit our website, www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/em or call 01452 382282. You could say that Kip McGrath give all students a second chance to reach their full potential and gain skills for life!

Take the next step to unlock your child’s full potential. Call Kip McGrath TODAY for a FREE assessment to see what your child can achieve!

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Exam Help: 11+/SATS/GCSE Kip McGrath Andover

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

> Colleges Written By: Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College

Meet one of our students – Alex Ward 2015 Welbeck Sword of Honour recipient

WHERE LEARNING MEETS ADVENTURE AND ENGINEERS MEET THEIR FUTURE. What is Welbeck?

Welbeck is the Defence Sixth Form College, a unique, full-board educational establishment that mixes superb teaching, first-rate facilities and military training. Based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, its purpose is to prepare ambitious young people for an engineering or technical career as an officer in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force or as a civilian within the Ministry of Defence. At Welbeck, students study technical A levels as part of the first step in the Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme which leads to university and then into a professional career, with monitoring, mentoring and support every step of the way.

Why Choose Welbeck?

State-of-the-art campus There aren’t many colleges that can rival Welbeck’s campus. With an indoor swimming pool, state of the art sporting facilities and ensuite residential quarters, it’s a simply superb place to learn, develop and gain new skills.

Future prospects Welbeck is just the start of a journey, one that leads to a degree at some of the UK’s leading universities (supported by £4,000 a year bursary through DTUS – the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme), then on to an engineering career in the armed forces or civil service. So Welbeck students couldn’t be better prepared – or supported – as they embark on their adult lives and careers. Rounded education As well as a technically-focused education, Welbeck offers a total approach to learning. The programme of personal, physical and intellectual development stretches the abilities, builds physical fitness and increases confidence. After two years at Welbeck, students are ready for anything. The fact that Welbeck is a boarding college also means students get all the benefits of mixing with like-minded individuals in an environment that’s geared to shaping their future career.

I am 18 years old and come from Filey, North Yorkshire. I decided to go to Welbeck for my A levels because it offered me a great career path into the Royal Navy and gave me the opportunity to do much more than a normal sixth form. I studied Maths, Physics and Biology A-levels and did Chemistry AS, Further Maths AS and Extended Project Qualification. I will now go and study Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University. After graduating I will start my initial officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College to become an Air Engineer Officer in the Royal Navy. I would certainly recommend Welbeck to anyone who is interested in an Engineering Career in the armed forces or with the Ministry of Defence as a civilian. It has helped prepare me for University life by making me a more organised and independent person and giving me the experience of living in close proximity to others. I have had brilliant support with my academics, got myself physically fit and made some great friends who I know will be friends for life!

Is Welbeck the right choice? Welbeck is a fantastic opportunity for ambitious, motivated and driven students looking to forge a career in the Armed Forces or Ministry of Defence. GCSE requirements vary depending on the Service that students wish to join, but a minimum of an A and B in Maths and Physics GCSE and a C in English Language is required. Students should be medically fit and a UK, Commonwealth or Irish citizen, aged between 15 and 17.5 on September 1st in the year of entry to the College. If you would like more information, book to come along to one of our Open Days, apply online at www.dsfc.ac.uk or visit our Facebook page.

(Above) Alex Ward receiving the Welbeck Sword of Honour from His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 33

> News Provider: Felix Fund - The Bomb Disposal Charity

FELIX FESTIVAL 2015 CAMPING, MUSIC, RUGBY AND BEER

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elix Fund supports bomb disposal experts and their families. They fund therapeutic breaks for bomb disposal teams returning from Afghanistan and other welfare and rehabilitation facilities for EOD units. They also provide hardship grants for individual members of ‘the bomb disposal family’ in need. On the 3 October – 4 October 2015 the first Felix Fund festival will take place outside Silchester in Hampshire. Booking is now open; contact felixfestival2015@gmail.com for more information. Entertainment includes live music, screening of the Rugby World Cup, disco, cash bar, and hot snack food. Over 18s only. Download the Festival brochure by visiting: www.felixfund.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ Festival-Information-B.indd_.pdf Please buy your tickets by clicking here www.justgiving.com/ Spartan-Felix-Team and donating £25 per person. Then email the Festival team at felixfestival2015@gmail.com, giving your name and the number of tickets you have purchased. The Festival team will reply to you with further information.

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, Post-Compulsory 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

Susan Iacovou, Academic Manager for psychology at the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL).

Psychology and the Military: advancing understanding of the human mind

obin Williams once said ‘Freud: if it’s not one thing, it’s your mother’. For many people, this joke sums up their understanding of what psychology is all about – couches and therapy, hypnosis and mind reading, and maybe Pavlov and his dogs. In fact, psychology is the study of the human mind and how it works, therefore science psychology has something to teach everybody and can be usefully applied in every life situation or working environment. History shows that many of our advances in understanding of the human mind come from psychologists working within or alongside the military – the concept of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a disorder emerged following the American war in Vietnam. More recently, understanding the impact of traumatic brain injuries and concussions sustained by coalition troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has changed the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape for military and civilian personnel with these kinds of injuries. Military psychology is a discipline in itself and skilled psychologists are an integral part of the British and US military. Where working to help control, limit and manage the stress

military personnel experience, looking at ways of supporting military staff to improve their job performance or even sport performance, helping military families adjust to the demands of military life, and studying the most effective use of military equipment and its alignment with human behaviour are just some of the tasks they undertake. The current President of the British Psychological Society (BPS) – Jamie Hacker Hughes – is himself a military psychologist and pledged to raise awareness of military psychological concerns in the wider political world. The Armed Forces Covenant in the UK makes the nation’s obligation to its armed forces a political priority and one that society must honour. If current and ex-armed forces personnel and their families are not to face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the area of mental health and wellbeing, we will need more psychologists with experience and interest in the psychology of military service, military families and military health and illness. Military psychologists and psychologists working with ex-military personnel, carry out relevant research, manage and provide mental health services, help injured personnel recover from their wounds, and

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advise politicians on policy and service provision. Most well-known amongst their activities is the support they offer to ex-military personnel in relation to Post Traumatic Stress, something that has becoming increasingly prevalent following operations in the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. PTSD can affect service veterans and their families many years after the conclusion of their service. Recent research by Susan Iacovou, Academic Manager in charge of online psychology programmes at UDOL, reveals just how long lasting the effects of active service can be on ex-servicemen’s relationships. The research, involving a number of Naval veterans of the Falklands’ Conflict, revealed that many of them still found it difficult to maintain relationships with wives or partners, had ongoing challenges with alcohol or drug abuse and felt overwhelming emotions of failure, shame and anger in relation to their experiences. Interestingly, most of those involved reported huge improvements in their lives and relationships following work with psychologists that enabled them to understand the psychology behind their experiences and reactions. More psychologists with military experience and understanding are needed to support current and ex-servicemen and women with a wide range of issues. At present waiting lists for services provided within the NHS or by military charities can be very long, often months or even years. At UDOL, we hope to help fill this gap by helping to educate more people in psychology, preparing them for careers as professional psychologists. We can help serving military personnel develop their understanding of psychology and enhance their career options within or outside the military setting through accredited online programmes in psychology delivered entirely online. We understand the needs of military students and their families and aim to offer the full university experience, at a distance. So wherever you are based, you can take a degree or a post graduate qualification psychology or indeed in one of our other topics, such as ergonomics, environmental health or business management.

To find out more about how you could develop your career in psychology visit www.derby.ac.uk/online/ online-psychology-courses. The University of Derby is an approved ELC provider (number 1276).

READY TO FURTHER YOUR QUALIFICATIONS? 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 while still serving in the military, 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

“I think… therefore I choke” (Jaimal Yogis) Three evidence-based strategies to turn failure into success on the golf course Author: Dr Vicky Gottwald, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University

inston Churchill once suggested that “golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly illdesigned for the purpose”. With this in mind, sportspeople have achieved extraordinary feats in this sport with effective practice and repetition. However, elite sport can be one of the biggest platforms for exposing the potentially devastating consequences of performance pressure at key moments of competition. Rory McIlroy demonstrated this in style when he threw away a four shot lead at the 2011 Masters Golf Tournament. He commented afterwards; “I was trying to be ultra-focused, tunnel-visioned, which just isn’t like me. I’m usually pretty chatty and sort of looking around and being quite relaxed about the whole thing.” This phenomenon of ‘paralysis by analysis’ is now well grounded in the sports science literature. Research suggests that focusing on one’s movements, such as the arm movement in a golf swing (termed an internal focus of attention) as opposed to focusing on the effects of one’s movements, such as the motion of the golf club or ball (termed an external focus of attention), can constrain actions and disrupt performance (Wulf, McNevin & Shea, 2001). Researchers at Bangor University have extended this Constrained Action Hypothesis to reveal that learning with an external focus of attention can be an effective strategy to alleviate the potentially debilitative effects of anxious performance (Lawrence, Gottwald, Khan & Kramer, 2012). Preventing athletes from gaining lots of explicit information about their movements during the learning process can enhance the automaticity of actions and prevent undesirable breakdowns in performance during high pressure situations such as competition. So next time you are on

Bangor University’s Vicon Motion Analysis Lab at the Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance (IPEP), School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, where this work was conducted.

the golf green debating whether to abandon your clubs, along with your game…in the lake, try to focus your attention, not on your movements, but on the ball’s trajectory towards the hole. An additional strategy for dealing with performance pressure, as advocated by the Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance, is simply to practice during anxious conditions early in the learning process (Lawrence, Cassell, Beattie, Woodman, Khan, Hardy & Gottwald, 2014). However, this ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ approach is possibly not for the faint-hearted golfer. The Institute’s work with the English Cricket Board has demonstrated significant success in developing mental resilience by heightening anxiety levels during the training environment, in preparation for competition (Bell, Hardy & Beattie, 2013). Elite cricketers were informed on arrival to the programme, of the consequences of poor performance or discipline during practice with punishments included cleaning the changing rooms, missing sessions and repeating tests in front of peers. How dedicated are you to the game?!

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A final technique involves recent and innovative research investigating the possibility of actually training the brain to drain putts (Ring, Cooke, Kavussanu, McIntyre & Masters, 2015). Here, novice golfers participated in neurofeedback training during a period of putting practice. More specifically, they were taught how to regulate their own cortical activity to match optimal performance levels, which enabled them to produce patterns of brain activity more typically exhibited by experts. Sports scientists’ continued progression in advancing coaches’ and athletes’ knowledge and understanding of effective practice, indicates some exciting times ahead for this sport and others alike. In summary, your ability to focus externally and ready your mind along with some practice under stressful conditions (you can set your own consequences) can make you the golfer you’ve always aspired to be!

INTERESTED IN Sport ScienceABOUT Masters at Bangor? LEARNING SPORT, HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCES? Turn your sport and fitness skills into a widely recognised qualification

Research and teaching excellence to inform and support your studies

Inspiring opportunities in a fantastic location

For Foundation degrees to Masters programmes:

Visit our course information pages for a full list of available courses.

• Foundation and Top-up degrees in Sport Science (Outdoor Recreation);

Or get in touch: SHES Admissions, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences

• BSc and MSci programmes in Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences including Sport Science (Outdoor Activities) and Sport, Health and Physical Education tailored to those who might want to be outdoors instructors or PE teachers; • MSc and MRes programmes for those who may already have a BSc qualification.

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388256 E-mail: shes.admissions@bangor.ac.uk Follow SHES on

@SportSciBangor

www.bangor.ac.uk/sport

> Bishop Burton College

People who leave the military leave with a wealth of skills and experiences that equip them well for civilian life

ut often, employers can’t always see the benefit of those skills. Sometimes, all it takes is a qualification to unlock doors into other exciting careers. Bishop Burton College, based in East Yorkshire, offers a range of courses for those looking to get into public services. Offering everything from policing and criminology to uniformed public services and forensics, the College offers courses at both further education and degree level, so there’s a whole host of options available based on previous experience. Come and join us so you can: > Be an important part of a team > Get real job satisfaction > Serve the community > Develop observational skills > Take initiative > Remain calm in sometimes life threatening situations > Enjoy a huge variety of jobs > Accept discipline, give and receive orders > Work towards a range of respected professional qualifications > Use your creative problem solving skills to the full.

Over the last 10 years, Bishop Burton College has worked in partnership with many of the uniformed services to provide realistic hands-on experience for students as part of its public services offering. Equipping them for the pressured work environment of public services, students get firsthand experience of real-life scenarios, including working alongside Humberside Fire and Rescue at simulated crash scenes and learning how to work with dogs, as part of dog-handling master classes with the Police. Students who have studied public services at the College have gone on to work in a variety of different specialisms including traffic, the river police, mounted police, criminal investigation department, dog handling, underwater search units and firearm units – and that’s just within the Police! Build on your experiences with a course at Bishop Burton College. For more information on the subjects offered, visit bishopburton.ac.uk. Make 2015 your year with Bishop Burton College

Looking for a career in

Public Services? Make use of your skills learned in the military Further Education

Degree Courses

1 Programme of study in * Level Uniformed Public Services 2 Programme of study in * Level Public Services 3 Programme of study in * Level Public Services Bishop Burton College | York Road | Beverley | HU17 8QG

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

Policing & Forensic * FdSc Investigation Policing & Criminology * FdA (Hons) Policing & * BA Criminology (Final year)

For more info call 0800 731 82 81

www.bishopburton.ac.uk

> Case Study Name: Beverley Thorogood Employer: Ministry of Defence, Royal Air Force Position: Personal Learning Adviser

> Why did you choose to study on BA Business & Enterprise? The BABE programme offered a number of key benefits for me: the ability to gain accreditation of prior learning and experience and therefore to achieve the degree in under 12 months: the content focused on the practical application of learning that was totally relevant to the private, public and third sectors: the BABE programme offers very good value for money.

> What were the 3 key things that you learnt? I realised that the skills and knowledge I’d gained throughout my life were greater than I’d given myself credit for. Reflective learning is a fantastic tool for developing emotional intelligence and can be quite humbling. Learning theoretical models is less effective than learning how to apply those models to real situations. As BABE is very strongly focused on work-based, real situations makes the learning more relevant.

> How has your organisation benefitted from your studies? The BABE programme has taught me to take a more strategic view of the organisation The Work Based Learning Project provides a clear plan of action, giving me motivation to keep going. I have been able to increase our customer base and offer a wider range of services. The business models and tools that I’ve been introduced to have ensured that I can evaluate and measure the success of a project and enabled me to align the project to the Station Commander’s strategic objectives. On a professional level, it has helped develop my leadership and management skills, enabling me to be a more confident manager.

> What has been the impact on you personally in achieving a degree? When I completed a module and passed it I felt a profound sense of achievement. The biggest impact however is an increase in personal confidence. When I embarked on the programme I was filled with self-doubt but now I feel I can do anything!

> What would you say to someone who was considering starting BA Business & Enterprise? To be absolutely certain that it is the right course for them. However, if looking for a business and management related course providing the skills and knowledge to apply them in their workplace, is challenging but satisfying, I couldn’t suggest a better course than BABE. The support and feedback I’ve received from the University has been outstanding and having the monthly contact with the rest of the cohort has meant I never felt like I was doing this on my own.

> If you had to sum up participation of BABE in one sentence – what would you say?

“BABE is a highly rewarding, well structured programme using blended learning to get the best out of its students.” > Beverley Thorogood

NOW DELIVERED ACROSS THE UK BABE - Edinburgh Napier University’s Innovative one year top up degree Entry requirements for BA Business and Enterprise include the vocational qualifications that go with forces rank, Personnel of Chief Petty Officer, Staff Sergeant, Flight Sergeant equivalent and above are eligible for direct entry* • Students attend local monthly workshops • Registered for ELCs, balance payable over 6 months

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

BABE is a highly rewarding, well structured programme using blended learning to get the best out of its students. Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 41

> ELCAS Written By: Joanne Nattress (Editor) Education for the Military Ltd

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FUNDING

ne 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”? You 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.

42 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.”

LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN MARITIME SECURITY? Ambrey Risk is the leading international Private Maritime Security Company, providing a range of security services to commercial shipping and the oil and gas sector throughout the world. Why should you choose Ambrey Risk?

• •

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Our deployed teams are drawn from all sectors of H M Forces Delivering the essential City & Guilds Level 3 MSO, Highfield First Aid at Work incorporating FPOSi, City & Guilds Level 3 Education & Training and Highfield Port & Terminal Security Risk Management. Other qualifications include FPOSi and the Maritime Coastguard agency STCW95 (All four Modules) High percentage of candidates who pass our MSO course are immediately put forward for deployment opportunities Offering Continued Professional Development with opportunities for promotion Flexible work patterns

Tel: +44 (0) 203 503 0340 • Email: recruitment@ambreyrisk.com

www.ambreyrecruitment.com

Anglia Logistics Transport Training Academy Ltd If you are looking for a career in logistics then look no further than ALTTA for all your training needs. OUR COURSES INCLUDE: > RTITB and ITSSAR fork truck training to both instructor and operator standard. If a career in transport is more for you we offer training in the following areas: > Management CPC > ADR (Dangerous Goods by Road) and Driver CPC. As well as all of these courses we can deliver training in health and safety, fire marshall, first aid, abrasive wheel, face fit and much more!

For more information please call: 01733 237115 email: info@altta.co.uk or visit our website: www.altta.co.uk

> Rope Access Written By: AAA Rope Access

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BEGIN A CAREER IN ROPE ACCESS

career in rope access is particularly appealing to members of the armed forces as it is not the run of the mill job, can be physically challenging and certainly varied. I would advise anyone considering rope access as a career to do his or her research and see what skill set is required in addition to the rope access. The reality is that an abseiler with out a skill is just a ‘dope on a rope’ to coin an industry phrase. If you are looking to work in the oil and gas sectors then look at the recruitment web sites such as rig-access to see the current vacancies and skills that are most in demand then tailor your training towards that. Qualifications in NDT (non-destructive testing) is a good addition to any CV as there is always a requirement for this, however, with the contraction of the industry due to the drop in oil prices competition for jobs has intensified thus making it harder to break into the industry. Ex military are well thought of in the industry but it would do potential candidates no harm to broaden their knowledge. Other areas to look at are coatings inspection (NACE) and lifting equipment inspection (LEEA) qualifications. The offshore wind industry requires a different set of abilities. Rope access on turbines is predominantly used for blade inspection and repairs. The best place to locate courses, and also has wealth of information about the industry, is the renewables UK web site. This also has a comprehensive directory of companies in the industry and their contact details. IRATA training is a must for any one looking for a career in rope access and is a worldwide recognised qualification and is essential for people looking to work in the Oil and Gas sectors. Level 1 is the entry level and provides candidates with the skills required to operate safely in a rope access workplace under the supervision of a level 3. Level 2 is the next level and is for experienced level 1’s who have had at least 1000 hours and 12 months work experience. While required to work under a level 3’s supervision they are trained to a higher standard and are capable of rigging for themselves and carrying out more complicated rescues. Level 3 is the supervisor level and requires a further minimum experience of 1000 hours and 12 months. The level 3 is qualified to undertake all rescues and is responsible for the rope access safety of the site.

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“A career in rope access is particularly appealing to members of the armed forces as it is not the run of the mill job, can be physically challenging and certainly varied.”

Access All Areas provides training to all IRATA levels at our dedicated training centre just off Junction 30 of the M25. Your career in Rope Access Starts Here. Courses are £ 550.00 + VAT and run most weeks.

Contact Paul for more information - 01708 523921

aaaropeaccess.co.uk

> Finance Written By: James Lockley, Director, MK Car Finance The UK’s Only Specialist Armed Forces Motor Finance Broker

THE ARMED FORCES, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

or a long time there have been two camps in the Armed Forces as far as mainstream financial services are concerned. In our experience this issue does appear to affect the Army more acutely than the other services, but the RAF and Navy are far from excluded from the issue. The first camp looks something like this. Married and in quarters or private accommodation, over 30 years old, ranked Cpl or above, UK based, and with a good credit history. On paper, for the purposes of finance and credit scoring, the fact that this person is in the military is merely a detail and of little significance. Motor finance, mortgages, credit cards, phones, loans, and everything else financial, there is no difference really in application to any other professional, responsible UK citizen, and they will have the pick of the bunch when it comes to choosing who they choose to give their finance business to, which mortgage provider they choose, what car to buy and how to finance it. All of this is because, realise it or not, over time this type of demographic has slipped very neatly into a few key positions. They are in a credit searchable property, unlike living in the block, they will probably be on the voters roll, which is hard and requires organisation if you are either in barracks or abroad. They have also reached an age and income bracket that is favoured by lenders, the lender can get accurate search information on previous credit agreements which comforts them when they are considering customers, and if your credit is good, they will be able to see that you have demonstrated you have responsibly maintained the previous agreements you have had, so a new one should not be an issue. Credit score systems, the systems that the majority of lenders live and die by these days, will probably score this type of application way over the required bar, and indicate to the credit provider you are a good risk as a customer that should be approved for finance of most types.

So what happens if you joined at 18, left home, got posted to Germany for three years, then returned at 21 to a UK barracks, and you now want to finance a car? Well, the truth is, not much. You will unlikely be on the voters roll as you have been away – and this is an issue for lenders, as they want to see they have accurately traced where you’ve been – if they can’t find you, their first question is where have you really been, and what credit nasties are you hiding at undisclosed addresses. You’ll be unlikely to have any credit profiles apart from a phone and current account. That’s another black mark, as lenders want to see what we call comparative credit, i.e. your old car cost you £150 per month and has been paid off, so you should be able to afford a new car at £200 per month as the new agreement is similar, or comparative as we say, to the old one you have completed successfully. As for searching a barracks address, you may as well put your local park or pub on the application form as your Military barracks are not considered domestic addresses for the majority of credit search requests. It will likely not turn up much accurate information on a credit search, assuming there is any

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information at all - usually there isn’t, even if your bank or credit providers post your statements or information there. So here you are, back in the UK, having done nothing financially wrong, with significant expendable income - you will often not have the rent and bills other people of the same age in civilian jobs have - you want to buy a car but the computer says no! If you were to take a civilian, and apply the same risk grading, this would be mainly correct. Why would you want to lend money to someone who has no history of paying loans back? Why lend to someone who has no stable traceable address, or more to the point, someone who could be anywhere in the country in future, as history says they move a lot or do not have a long term fixed address, with the car you have financed, and you as the lender are unable to repossess it as you simply don’t know where it is? And lastly, why would you lend money to someone who earns £1200 net per month, wants to spend £300 of it on a nice car, but hasn’t really thought about rent, bills, or living expenses correctly, who will potentially fall quickly into arrears? Well, the short answer is you wouldn’t.

Armed Forces Personnel are different - why have so few people realised this? As a company we have, and we have a successful business providing motor finance to serving members, but we are the very tip of a very large iceberg. Yes, there will always be some people in every walk of life who seem incapable of organising themselves; some will always default on agreements. But you know what? We would be happier lending to a 21 year old serving member, who has £1,100 of expendable income each month, a stable and secure job, for a car that is their pride and joy, than we would be lending the same 21 year old civilian, on the same money, but who has many bills and other commitments on top of the car, and will much more likely get to a situation where they really cannot pay anymore, rather than the small minority who simply choose not to pay. So my overall points are these. Why has the MoD not done more to support lower ranking younger personnel with financial services, and to assist them in understanding something that they often don’t really care for until it adversely affects them; which is often too late?

Why has the financial services industry as a whole not made more efforts to understand Armed Forces circumstances, and their unique risk profiles?

It seems to me that we are in danger of creating a forgotten generation. Due to costs, lenders are automating everything possible, because it’s cheaper than having qualified human underwriters making decisions - they do this to reduce operating costs allowing them to be more competitive in their offerings to customers, and therefore hopefully gain a larger slice of the wider civilian market. But the losers in this are the tens of thousands of serving personnel who risk their lives to protect the UK, and then are often almost completely excluded from mainstream financial services for their efforts, due to their circumstances which are bestowed upon them by their career choice. We think a bit differently, but we are the minority. If a 20 year old wants to spend a chunk of their income to have the newest, fastest, most orange Ford Focus ST they can, then good on them. So long as the payment and loan is sensible and affordable in relation to their circumstances, commitments, and income, then fine. We fully support younger members being able to see the reward for their efforts and sacrifices. We, however, are a small part of the bigger picture. More needs to be done to help Armed Forces Personnel with financial services from general knowledge to mortgages, and the meaningful support isn’t really there, aside from a few explanatory forms buried online about specific subjects. To cite a good example of this, Philip Hammond, Defence Secretary at the time, (via BBC news) announced schemes designed to address the extremely low rate of homeownership for members of the Armed Forces. At the same time we tried to advertise in a prominent MoD controlled magazine for motor finance to Armed Forces, only to be told that there was a blanket ban of financial services advertising via MoD governed publications.

For more information please visit the blog section of our website at; www. mkcarfinance. co.uk/blog/ finance/ BBC reference link - www.bbc. co.uk/news/uk24314794

Did the then Defence Secretary not connect the two issues together? If you create a generation of young men and women who are often all but excluded from experiencing mainstream finance, how are they expected to suddenly, around the age of 30, create a 10 year credit history and voters roll profile, walk into a bank, and get a low rate mortgage to buy their first home? It isn’t conducive to obtaining the result the headlines say politicians want. Great, a discounted offering for mortgages for service personnel helps, but the real answer here is to create a connected process, designed especially for the forces, that educates, assists, and guides our newer recruits along the financial road. We are currently a long way from that; much work needs to be done to resolve the issue. With the exception of small pockets of private enterprise - like us, who’ve seen a commercial chink in the armour to build a business on - from what we can see little else is happening, and the further down the AutomatedCredit-Score-Finance-Road we go, the worse it is going to get for our younger, lower ranked personnel. It all seems a little unfair doesn’t it?

> Recruitment

Provided By: Bailey Employment Services

ur mission is to be known as the go to Recruitment Company by both clients and candidates, by offering our enhanced services and expertise while making constant improvements, we aim to excel in delivery expectations for our candidates and clients as well as our employees. With our knowledge of the transport & logistics industry it means Bailey Employment Services (BES) is best placed to provide professional, hardworking and reliable drivers. As a driver with BES you can expect the highest quality of service from the professionalism and organisation of the Driving Consultants with even an On Call Mobile where you can contact a Driving Consultant directly 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to help with any issues the client or driver may have. Our knowledge of the working environment means we are better placed to provide our clients with professional hardworking and reliable drivers. Working for us as a HGV driver, you will be responsible for the many day to day dealings, as well as Being the face of the Company; HGV Drivers are representing our clients. Working as a HGV driver, you will be responsible for the safe delivery of goods. Your duties will involve... • • • •

Ensuring goods are safely secured Keeping your vehicle in good condition Loading and unloading the vehicle Taking the quickest route to your destination. (so map reading is always an advantage)

So what’s next? If you have previous driving or logistics experience we are looking for Class one and Class two drivers to fulfil roles across the Wiltshire and Somerset area. Due to new regulations, all drivers who wish to drive commercially must have gained their Driver CPC Qualification. We can assist with this, as we work with third parties who can train drivers towards their CPC. We’re aiming to help with a smooth transition from the day to day work in the military to civilian life. We have ongoing contracts with full time, part time, odd days and weekend work available for the right candidates. If you’re on leave and looking to work and gain some extra income too please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Send your CV to:

drivingmelk@baileyemploy.co.uk Alternatively please contact the Driving Team on 01225 709494 selecting option 3

Q & A:

Bailey Employment Services Industry can you Many Military Leavers enjoy working in the HGV tell us why should they choose Bailey Employment? since 1984 and was Bailey Employment Services has been established recruitment ndent indepe g growin fastest 50 Top the of one as rated We are a 2013. and 2012 years, utive agencies in the UK for 2 consec job opportunities ent perman and ary tempor ng providi agency full service . We are a member in Office, Factory, Production, Care and HGV driving valuable driver gain we which of ation Associ ort Transp of the Freight onto our drivers. regulation updates & advice, which are then passed of national companies Currently we are proud to be supporting a number dedicated, across the Wiltshire and Somerset regions. We have support and of level t highes the ng providi professional consultants Regulations or advice to drivers. The team can give advice on Tacho on what equipment Driver CPC Qualification. In addition, we can advise ents. assignm their fulfil sfully succes to order in need drivers Haul? Would your drivers be working Short Haul or Long assignments or long We have various contracts that can be for odd-day welcome drivers to term contracts. Even for those on annual leave, we and income. We nce register for temporary work to gain extra experie find permanent to forces the leaving nel person can also help military work with local contracts.

are choosing to Can you tell our readers why Bailey Employment recruit from the Military? nel is high, well As recruiters, we find that the quality of Military person manner. They ional profess a with disciplined and approach their work attention to means which trades, new learn to ess eagern an also have detail will be followed.

would you offer Would applicants require a full HGV licence or ate? candid training for the right 1 or Class 2. We do require drivers with HGV licenses, either Class rcially must comme drive to wish who drivers Due to new regulations, all assist with this, can We ation. Qualific CPC Driver their gained have towards their CPC as we work with third parties who can train drivers ation. qualific

HGV Drivers Required Experienced HGV Drivers are required now to fulfil our prestigious driving contracts in Wiltshire and the South West. For those in transition or leaving the forces, we have a number of temporary to permanent HGV vacancies, along with other long-term ongoing driving contracts. If you’re currently on leave – then join us for extra HGV work and earnings.

Send your CV now to: drivingmelk@baileyemploy.co.uk Or please urgently contact our driving team – 01225 709494 option 3 Bailey Employment Services Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

www.baileyemploy.co.uk

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

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Queen Victoria School Raising to Distinction Open Morning Sat 19 Sept 2015 Admissions Deadline 15 Jan each year Queen Victoria School in Dunblane is a co-educational boarding school for the children of UK Armed Forces personnel who are Scottish, or who have served in Scotland or who have been members of a Scottish regiment. The QVS experience encourages and develops well-rounded, confident individuals in an environment of stability and continuity. The main entry point is into Primary 7 and all places are fully funded for tuition and boarding by the Ministry of Defence. Families are welcome to find out more by contacting Admissions on +44 (0) 131 310 2927 to arrange a visit.

Queen Victoria School Dunblane Perthshire FK15 0JY