Education for the Military - Winter Edition 2015/16

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www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

WINTER EDITION 2015/16

HOUSING PAY IN ADVANCE FOR

RENTAL DEPOSITS

BOARDING

SCHOOLS THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S

AWARD

ELCAS FRANCHISE FINDING THE RIGHT FRANCHISE

OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!


Nu se y to unive sity

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

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


The new BMW 3 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 335d xDRIVE M SPORT SALOON MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £315 (Plus initial rental*)

With outstanding road-holding and a new generation of TwinPower Turbo engines for increased power and lower fuel consumption, the latest BMW 3 Series xDrive Saloon is a new vision of driving exhilaration. For more information and to book a test drive†, please call 020 7514 8602 or visit www.bmwukmilitary.co.uk

SEARCH: BMW UK MILITARY. Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 335d xDrive M Sport Saloon: Urban 43.5mpg (6.5l/100km). Extra Urban 57.6mpg (4.9l/100km). Combined 51.4mpg (5.5l/100km). CO2 emissions 145g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. BMW Group ISSD Ltd is a credit broker. *Initial rental £1,000. Price shown is for a 12 month ISSD BMW Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 335d xDrive M Sport Saloon with optional metallic paint, with a contract mileage of 12,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 16.74p per mile. Applies for new vehicles ordered between 1 October and 31 December 2015 and registered by 31 March 2016 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Park Lane Limited, trading as BMW Group ISSD, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.


>CONTENTS NEWS

Rockport School DISCOUNTS

A Learning Adventure

07

> THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

08

> REESON EDUCATION

FOR

HM FORCES

Small class sizes

Excellent academic results

Commits £5m to Rehabilitate Wounded & Sick Service Personnel

How the North-South Divide has an effect on education

FEATURES

Individual pastoral care

12

> HOUSING

Preparation for 11+, Common Entrance and Sixth Form entry

14

> PREP SCHOOLS

VERY competitive fees

18

> BOARDING SCHOOLS

22

> SCIENCE

24

> THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

28

> FAITH SCHOOLS

30

> D OF E

42

> UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE

46

> TEACHER TRAINING

48

> ELCAS

54

> FRANCHISING

Pay in advance for rental deposits

Royal School Hampstead Trust

Making waves at Schools’ Seismology workshop

Taking part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

SPECIAL THANKS TO: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, REESON Education, SBSA, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, The RSH Trust, The Royal British Legion, Aartic Training Group, The British Training Board, Fulneck School, The Joint Service Housing Advice Office, Handcross Park, Barnard Castle School, Worth School, UDOL, Bangor University, DofE, Perran James & all advertisers. IMAGES BY: The Duke of York’s Royal Military School (Front Cover) & thanks to all other image contributors. PUBLISHED BY: © Education for the Military Ltd FOLLOW US: @educationmat @fighthroughmag

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

INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL, 3 - 18

TELEPHONE: 0191 691 1958 EDITOR: Joanne Nattress, joanne@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

DESIGN: CS Design - chris@educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Rockport School, Craigavad, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0DD

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

© Education for the Military Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, the publishers take no responsibility for errors and omissions. No responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for any claims made by the advertisers in this publication.


soldierscharity.org

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

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

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


> ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY

“YOU’LL NEVER WALK AGAIN” WRITTEN BY: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity

Lance Corporal Mark Harding, 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was shot in the neck by a Taliban sniper while on tour in Afghanistan in 2010. After being transferred back to the UK, he was told he was unlikely ever to walk again. However, just two years later, he climbed a mountain in the Lake District to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and to inspire others facing life-changing injuries. This is his story… Mark has remarkably vivid memories of the incident in Afghanistan, but says he still isn’t sure whether that has been a ‘good or a bad thing’ in helping to push him to where he is today: “I remember everything... every detail. We were in the village, about 400m away from the platoon base on patrol, checking the walls and floor for IEDs. The locals started to move back in to their homes and close the doors, a sure sign to us something was going to happen. I remember looking back at my friend, Chris. He was hopping around shouting and screaming “My leg! My leg!” I rushed to him, and as I knelt down, I remember a massive bang. When I came to, I saw my friend Chris had been shot through his thigh. His femoral artery had been ruptured.
I knew I had to help him, but I wasn’t able to move. I didn’t understand why, until my teammate said ‘Mark I think you’ve been shot’.” 06 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

Following emergency treatment at Camp Bastion, Mark was placed in a chemically induced coma and brought back to the UK. When he came out of the coma, he describes feeling like he was ‘imprisoned in an alien body’, unable to move but still with full mental capacity. His C5/C6 vertebrae had been shattered and some sections of his spinal cord had been damaged; he was given the diagnosis of incomplete tetraplegia: “It seems just like yesterday, seeing the two consultants come back into the room and close the door behind them. They delivered the most traumatic news we’d hoped never to hear: ‘Mark we’ve looked at the extent of your injuries and we’ve both come to the decision that you’ll never walk again’.” During his rehabilitation at Headley Court, Mark was confined to a wheelchair, something the access to his house wasn’t designed to easily accommodate. This meant that his wife had to constantly travel down to Headley Court to see him until the house was made more suitable. The Soldiers’ Charity stepped in with two grants for essential adaptations to the garage and pavement area outside his home. This was life-changing for Mark as he was able to move back home during his rehabilitation and spend more time with his wife. However, Mark also credits the Charity with providing a more intangible level of support throughout his road to recovery: “It’s not just the work on the house they helped me with. I’m incredibly lucky and privileged to have met two great people through the Charity [two staff from our North West regional office], whom I now call friends. They were always on the end of the phone if I needed to talk about anything, no matter the time. They gave me their friendship and emotional support, and for that I will be eternally gratefully to them, and of course the Charity.” Despite his injuries, Mark was determined to retain his fit and active lifestyle and, since receiving the life-changing diagnosis described above he has defied medical belief. In 2012, just two years after his injury, he climbed Skiddaw – the 6th highest peak in the Lake District – and a year later, represented Great Britain at a Dragon Boat World Championship. He has also set up his own motivational company, Bionic Motivation, and is now an established public speaker.

The Soldiers’ Charity is proud to have been there for Mark in his time of need. Their support extends to soldiers and veterans of all cap badges and conflicts, working tirelessly to ensure that all individuals and their families are afforded the independence and dignity they deserve. Find out more at: soldierscharity.org


> NEWS

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION COMMITS £5M TO REHABILITATE WOUNDED, INJURED AND SICK SERVICE PERSONNEL PROVIDED BY: The Royal British Legion

T

he Royal British Legion announced a £5million commitment to the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC), the stateof-the-art Ministry of Defence clinical rehabilitation facility which will replace Headley Court when it opens in 2018. The £5million will fund the building of a Complex Trauma Gymnasium which is at the heart of the exercise therapy programme at the new centre for Service personnel. The DNRC will treat a wide range of injuries such as single and multiple amputations, multiple fractures, spinal cord injury and other complex conditions. Operational casualties such as these have been increasing in recent years following conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and typically arise from blast injuries, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mine strikes and gunshot wounds. Exercise therapy represents a vital part of the rehabilitation programme for people recovering from complex trauma. The Complex Trauma Gymnasium has two

distinct elements; including a full size, sprung basketball court and a dedicated cardiovascular area featuring speciallyadapted fixed equipment such as exercise bikes, treadmills, cross-trainers and rowing machines. The facility will meet all exercise therapy needs of complex trauma patients receiving treatment at the DNRC. Chris Simpkins, Director General of The Royal British Legion, says: “Assisting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel has been a part of the Legion’s work since it was founded in 1921 after the First World War. Our £5million commitment to the DNRC’s Complex Trauma Gym will guarantee the provision of state of the art rehabilitative care for today’s Service personnel who have sustained serious injuries, and we’re honoured to be part of this vital project.” Air Marshal Paul Evans, the MOD Surgeon General, says: “The establishment of the DNRC will provide Defence with a world class, purpose built facility that will endure well into the future. It will provide essential ongoing residential rehabilitation capability for Defence, as well as significant opportunities for the development of a centre of excellence for rehabilitation research and training.” The Legion supports the recovery of injured, wounded and sick Service personnel and veterans in a variety of different ways suited to their needs. In 2012 the charity provided £27million to establish and operate The Battle Back Centre, which uses adaptive sports and adventurous training to help people achieve their best possible recovery to either return to Service or make a smooth transition to civilian life. Since 2011, the Legion has put over £5m into funding vital research at its Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London to progress understanding of injuries caused by explosions. Also in 2011, the Legion founded Bravo 22 Company, a recovery through theatre programme,

which aims to build self-awareness, confidence, self-esteem and motivation in members of the Armed Forces community who produce and perform a play based on their experiences and stories.

“ ASSISTING THE RECOVERY OF WOUNDED, INJURED AND SICK SERVICE PERSONNEL HAS BEEN PART OF THE LEGION’S WORK SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1921...” This contribution of £5million to build the Complex Trauma Gymnasium at the DNRC represents just one more example of the Legion’s commitment to supporting wounded, injured and sick personnel in their recovery.

Visit The Legion website: www.britishlegion.org.uk Follow The Legion: Twitter - @PoppyLegion Facebook - /OfficialPoppyLegion

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 07


> NEWS

HOW THE

NORTH -SOUTH

DIVIDE

HAS AN EFFECT ON EDUCATION PROVIDED BY: Reeson Education

Recently, there have been many political and media debates on how the North-South divide has an effect on education. In order to tackle this issue, the funding of education has been re-evaluated to prevent regional differences from arising. Some of the changes within the policy which have been predicted are: • Student Loan repayments fixed until 2017. • Extra loans for furthereducation, part-time and postgraduate students. • The free childcare threshold will be altered. • Sixth-form colleges having the opportunity to turn into academies. • 300,000 more places in the National Citizens Service.

T

he change in funding is due to happen as the government noticed that some areas of the country received significantly less funding for education than others. The new practices now set a national rate for each individual pupil and it sets aside extra funding for those pupils who need extra support. Over the next 5 years, it has been estimated that funding for education and childcare will increase by £10bn. As the funding was assessed due to councils campaigning for a change in the system, some have highlighted their concern that they may lose out when the changes are implemented. Even though school budgets are protected, in some educational support areas cuts will be made to factors such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and checks on teachers. The free childcare threshold has

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

Reeson Education are a leading teacher recruitment agency which was established by teachers, education professionals and recruitment specialists.

changed to 30 hours for 3 and 4 year old’s for parents who work at least 16 hours per week but earn less than £100,000. Around the country there will be an estimate of 100 sixth form colleges who will benefit from being eligible for an academy status, meaning that they will receive around 10% more funding for each pupil. In order to save £2bn a year, the maintenance grants which are given throughout further education will be turned into loans which will increase universities income by £2.3bn. The changes in education funding have been made in order to try and decrease the North-South divide in educational performance. The new policies will be implemented to give each pupil around the country a fair chance in succeeding throughout education.


TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT At Star City near Moscow (029) 2071 0295

admin@isset.org

Join British-born astronaut Michael Foale in Star City, near Moscow for ISSET’s Cosmonaut Leadership Programme. Spend the week training on the same facilities that astronaut Tim Peake used for his mission to space and learn from his instructors... Do YOU have what it takes to be an astronaut? Week long exclusive STEM programme 6 nights’ accommodation, meals, activities, travel & flights Gold DofE Residential Award Buran Space Shuttle VIP tour Guided tour of the Red Square, Kremlin & Lenin Mausoleum Check-in to Star City’s high security complex Grand Tour of ISS, “Soyuz” and “Mir” training centres Explore the Gagarin museum Get to grips with the virtual Mission Control Centre Mir Space Station training: learn how to operate the Mir Hands on, Soyuz Docking Simulation training Emergency training practical Outdoor wilderness survival training Space suit training, wear the “Orlan” & “Sokol” suits Reflect on your week at the Museum of Cosmonautics Moscow River Boat Tour /ISSET_STEM

WWW.ISSET.ORG

/Int.SpaceSchool


> NEWS

A FORCE FOR GOOD:

LOCAL BUSINESS HELPS CHARITY MEET DALAI LAMA PROVIDED BY: Aartic Training Group / The British Training Board

Antony and Adrian Rabey, brothers from South Wales, who have formed a business designed to help existing and former members of the armed forces embark on a successful second career, have sponsored St John Wales to help the charity head to India to meet the Dalai Lama. Aartic Training Group and The British Training Board, partner companies that provide training and qualifications to ex-servicemen, sponsored first aid charity St John Wales to go to India through providing branded t-shirts and support through a unique training programme for volunteers who embarked on the venture. During their trip to India, the Dalai Lama met with St John Wales volunteers to thank them for their esteemed work with providing ten years of first aid training in the northern region of the country. St John Wales trained hundred of school children and many adults in the area during their latest visit. Antony and Adrian Rabey, brothers and business partners who both served in the

Royal Logistic Corp in the British Army, reunited with their former British Army Major, Mark John of St John Wales, to show their support for the charity’s honourable efforts. Adrian Rabey, director of The British Training Board, said: “It has been fantastic to get together with Mark and get involved with his mission to India for St John Wales. We are very supportive of local charities and to get involved with Mark, our former Major in the British Army, was an opportunity we didn’t want to miss, especially as it enabled the St John Wales volunteers to meet the Dalai Lama. We hope our sponsorship and the training programme we provided helped the group during their time in India.”

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

Mark John of St John Wales, said: “Meeting the Dalai Lama will definitely be one of the most memorable moments of my life and I am so glad the volunteers at St John Wales got to experience meeting him and receive the recognition they deserve for their admirable work. “We would like to say a big thank you to the British Training Board and Aartic Training Group for their sponsorship and support in helping us get to India on this very unique occasion. I have known Adrian and Antony for many years through their time in the Army and am so pleased to have their continued support and dedication. St John Wales is a very important cause and I appreciate their generous support.”

“ WE ARE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF LOCAL CHARITIES AND TO GET INVOLVED WITH MARK, OUR FORMER MAJOR IN THE BRITISH ARMY, WAS AN OPPORTUNITY WE DIDN’T WANT TO MISS...”


> NEWS

FULNECK SCHOOL YEAR 6’S ONCE IN A LIFETIME VISIT TO PARLIAMENT WITH THEIR MP PROVIDED BY: Fulneck School

On Monday 23rd November, Year 6 visited the Palace of Westminster, in London. The highlight of the visit was a tour around the Palace of Westminster by their local Member of Parliament, Mr Stuart Andrew, where they visited both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

T

he visit was arranged to link in with their current Humanities topic on Democracy and Government Systems. All of the children thoroughly enjoyed this once in a life time experience. Within the House of Commons, they even saw a statue of former Fulneck pupil Herbert Henry Asquith, who is famous for having lead the United Kingdom into the Great War! After the tour, the class joined Mr Andrew in his London office for a question and answer session. Everyone would like to thank Mr Andrew for allowing Fulneck pupils to join him in Parliament and giving an excellent educational tour of the Palace. After the tour of Westminster, Year 6 then visited some famous sights of London. They saw the only statue of Henry VIII, Oxford Street (for some shopping!), Piccadilly Circus, Camden Market (to watch some Street Theatre) and travelled on the underground! They also had time to have their photos taken on Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station. “This was a once in a life time trip and it was brilliant!” said Ciara Greenway on

their return. “Going on the Underground for the first time was epic!” added Annabelle Hallas Fawcett. Earlier in the autumn term, Year 6 were privileged to invite Mr Andrew to School for a Q & A session in the boardroom, when they asked him some challenging questions about local issues and the Conservative’s national policy. Their study of Democracy and Government Systems was further supported by a visit from Judge Greenway, who talked to the children about law and the judiciary and allowed them to try on her gown and wig!

Founded in 1753, Fulneck School is the UK’s leading inclusive independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Nestled in beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds and Bradford, the School is set within a peaceful village community and settlement dating back to 1739. With a strong Christian ethos, it consists of three schools, Early Years, Junior and Senior (including Sixth Form).

www.fulneckschool.co.uk

“ EVERYONE WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR ANDREW FOR ALLOWING FULNECK PUPILS TO JOIN HIM IN PARLIAMENT AND GIVING AN EXCELLENT EDUCATIONAL TOUR OF THE PALACE ” Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 11


> HOUSING

PAY IN ADVANCE FOR RENTAL DEPOSITS Looking for a property to rent can be really tough; the best places get snapped up quickly and on top of that, you are expected to fork out a couple of months rent for a deposit upfront. Well, help is at hand, a new scheme developed by the Department of Communities and Local Government had just gone live in the MOD. WRITTEN BY: The Joint Service Housing Advice Office From 06 July 15 you are now able to take an advance of your salary to enable you to pay a deposit for a privately rented home. All permanent civilian and Service personnel are able to apply for the scheme, as long as you have completed at least 2 months’ of service. What you need to know: Details of the scheme are explained in JSP 754, Chapter 2, Section 5. Applications should be made on JS Form E004. • You must live in the property you receive the advance for. The scheme is available in all UK locations. • It is your responsibility to make sure the advance is affordable and that you take into account other advances you might be paying as well as your living costs. • The advance is paid back out of your salary each month and must be repaid over no more than 12 months or prior to the end of your last day of service. • As set out in the Housing Act 2004, your landlord must put your deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit

scheme. You have 45 calendar days to your Unit HR with evidence (usually a certificate) that this has happened. • If you fail to secure the property for which you have received your advance, talk to your chain of command so they can decide whether it needs to be repaid immediately or whether you can have an extension in order to secure another property. What you need to know as a Commanding Officer or Delegated Authority: You play a crucial role in the process so it’s important that you are aware of what you need to do: • The rental market is very competitive so it is important that you approve the advance in a timely manner. • You must ensure you receive the evidence (usually a certificate) that the landlord has paid the deposit into a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme within 45 calendar days of the advance being paid out. • If personnel fail to provide this evidence, you should discuss the reason for this with them and take a supportive approach. For example, if the initial property was not obtained, but an alternative property is likely to be secured in the near future, then an extension can be agreed. However, if it is unlikely that they will obtain another property, then you need to inform them the advance must be repaid. They are able to apply for another advance when needed.

THE JOINT SERVICE HOUSING ADVICE OFFICE (JSHAO) Housing Briefings JSHAO deliver over 50 Civilian Housing Briefings at various military locations in the UK and utilise Education Centres in Germany, and Cyprus each year. These ½ day briefs are designed to give you the information to help you make informed choices on your civilian housing. The briefings cover - Understanding your Housing Need; House Purchase; Private Rental; Affordable Home Ownership Schemes; Social Housing and Independent Financial Advice (via members of SIIAP).

The MoD Referral Scheme This scheme is managed by the JSHAO. The aim is to help Service leavers and their families who may be eligible, in to Social Housing upon discharge. Some Housing Associations and other charitable organisations ask JSHAO to nominate personnel as tenants for vacant properties. Being on the MOD Referral Scheme provides an additional route to potentially securing housing. For more information and an application form, please contact the JSHAO by email: AWS-JSHAO-Referrals@ mod.uk or tel: 01252 787635 (Civ), 94222 7635 (Mil).

Housing Matters Magazine JSHAO now produces quarterly editions (from 2016) of the

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


> HOUSING Housing Matters magazine each year which has a worldwide distribution of 10,000 copies per issue. The magazine contains information and articles designed to help you when you are considering your civilian housing options. Copies should be easily available from within your Unit. The magazine is also held as e-copies on www.gov.uk dating back to January 2010.

project reduces the likelihood of ex-service personnel becoming homeless or sleeping rough after discharge. Contact: spaces@riverside.org.uk or tel 01748 833797.

Single Person Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services (SPACES) SPACES is managed by Riverside English Churches Housing Group and works with JSHAO. It is designed to help single ex-regulars find appropriate accommodation when they leave the Services. Through this service the

JSHAO CONTACT DETAILS: Zone 2, Floor 2, Montgomery House, Queens Avenue, ALDERSHOT, Hampshire GU11 2JN Tel: 01252 787574 (Civ) or 94222 7574 (Mil) with a 24hr answerphone Email: AWS-JSHAOMailbox@mod.uk Web: www.gov.uk/ government/collections/ joint-service-housingadvice-office-jshao

AT EASE Protecting what matters Competitive cover for:

Home Contents Kit Designed with the military in mind

Call FREE on

0800 088 2925

www.themilitarymutual.com

Follow us for news and offers:

/themilitarymutual

@military_mutual

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 13


> PREP SCHOOLS

WHY BOARD AT HANDCROSS PARK SCHOOL? The importance of adding value at Handcross Park School – a view from the Headmaster

H

andcross Park, a Brighton College School, is situated in West Sussex, just an hour from London and close to Gatwick Airport and the M23. Set in 50 acres of parkland, the School offers a first class education to girls and boys up to the age of 13, offering full and weekly boarding from the age of 7. When most schools talk about “value added”, they tend to list their facilities, their sporting achievements and the wide range of extra-curricular activities they offer. At Handcross Park, we see things slightly differently. Whilst facilities, opportunities and individual achievements are obviously important when choosing a school, we take them as a given and invest time, energy and expertise in all these areas. With a proven academic record at Common Entrance and Scholarship, together with facilities that include extensive grounds, a home-from-home boarding house, a music school, a sports hall and an indoor swimming pool, our pupils are given many opportunities to develop their full potential.

However, at Handcross Park, “value added” means teaching children certain values that will stand them in good stead going out into the world and allow them to further develop when they move on to their senior schools and beyond. First and foremost, we teach our pupils to understand the importance of kindness – we believe children should be educated and given the opportunity to grow within a kind school. Handcross Park is underpinned by a culture of kindness and we expect all children to behave in a manner that reinforces this ethos. Random acts of kindness are encouraged! Politeness and good manners to each other, visitors and members of the school community are seen as key values – we find that the children enjoy being polite! Our pupils are taught to have a belief in their own abilities, to take a pride in themselves - and their school. We also make the point of reinforcing the value of good sportsmanship. Our children learn how to be competitive whilst at the same time remaining in control and respecting the officials and opposition – they should aspire to be winners and yet allow defeat to make them stronger. Within our Boarding House, the ethos is that of an extended family. The Boarding House Parents, along with their children, live in the House itself and are supported by a Matron and several House Tutors. The boys’ and girls’ boarding is located on different floors within one building which helps reinforce the impression that the boarders are all part of a family. The younger children in the House are helped and encouraged by the older children and Mrs Davis’ bedtime story session is always a special time. For the

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

older children, supervised homework sessions in a classroom environment are part of the evening routine – but still with time left over to have a game of dodgeball in the Sports Hall or to chat with friends. For our weekly boarders, there is flexibility as to whether they go home on a Friday or Saturday as there are no school commitments at the weekend.

“ WHEN WE TALK ABOUT “VALUE ADDED” AT HANDCROSS PARK, WE REALLY MEAN IT ” For our full boarders, the weekends are for some downtime. Every weekend, the children are taken off site at least once to take part in a varied programme of activities which can range from going to a local park or visitor attraction to going swimming or bowling. For the rest of the time they get to use some of the School’s facilities such as wall climbing or using the IT suite or DT lab, arts and crafts or making pizzas.


> PREP SCHOOLS

HANDCROSS PARK A

B R I G H T O N

C O L L E G E

S C H O O L

KNIGHTON HOUSE HOME FROM HOME

• Girls and boys, ages 2 -13 • Day, weekly boarding (Monday-Friday) or full boarding • Top rating across all areas in ISI inspection • Located just off the M23, close to Gatwick

Day & Boarding for girls 7-13 / Pre-prep for boys and girls 3-7

HANDCROSS PARK

]

“Handcross Park is now hitting the premier league” Tatler Schools Guide 2015

B E TR EW E

A home from home for children of military families

]

100% entry to first choice senior schools

]

Excellent scholarship results

]

Full weekend programme of activities

]

School fees fixed at CEA + 10%

“Becoming part of this wonderful school is like extending your family and putting down roots for your children.” Brigadier Tim Robinson

Watch our school film at www.knightonhouse.co.uk, then come and see this magical place for yourself.

01444 400526 WWW.HANDCROSSPARKSCHOOL.CO.UK

Call 01258 452065 or email admissions@knightonhouse.co.uk. Knighton House School, Durweston, Dorset DT11 0PY.

Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6HF

KHS E4M_ad_A4+3mm_2015_AW.indd 1

31/07/2015 09:33

THE in de pe n dent DIFFERENCE ON YOUR DOORSTEP. We can offer your child: • the freedom to learn through feeling safe, happy and valued • small class sizes, single year groups and personalised learning • the opportunity to discover their creative talents through the arts, drama and music • excellent coaching, superb facilities and competitive sports opportunities • fresh air every day • the opportunity to develop a strong moral compass.

ALL

HA LLOWS

P R E PA R AT O RY

S CHO O L

COME AND VISIT US admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk allhallowsschool.co.uk

OPEN MORNING. Saturday, 30th January 2016. 9.30am to midday

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 15


> STATE BOARDING SCHOOLS’ ASSOCIATION

Service Personnel who have missed the local authority October schools admission deadline can still apply for a state boarding school place – and their applications will be given a higher priority if they qualify for the MOD’s Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

T SERVING PARENTS HAVEN’T MISSED THE BOAT IF THE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS DEADLINE HAS PASSED

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

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

hat’s the message the State Boarding Schools’ Association (SBSA) is giving forces families who often find themselves in a worrying position when they know their circumstances may change before the start of the new school year. To apply for a state day school, parents must list their preferred schools on a local authority application form by the October 31 deadline. State boarding is available through 38 schools across the UK. Tuition is provided by the state, meaning that parents only need to pay for boarding, typically around £4,000 per term, well below the maximum CEA. However, most local authorities rarely deal with state boarding school applications and sometimes give confusing advice to parents. Whilst the admissions process for boarding applications is supposed to be the same for state day and state boarding schools, the reality is that it just doesn’t work that way. In fact, many state boarding schools set their pupil admissions numbers (PAN) to cater for the changing needs of service personnel, which means that many of the larger schools will have boarding places available even in the summer before the Year 7 September intake. As a result, they can receive late applications after the October deadline and indeed after March when all day-school places have been allocated. Applications for other year groups will be accepted at any time of year before the start of Year 10. To apply for state boarding, parents must complete an application through their local authority or the school’s local authority if they live abroad. A separate application form must also be completed for the boarding school itself. However, a late application for state boarding doesn’t mean a child will go to the back of the admissions list. Parents who qualify for the CEA will be prioritised over applications for children of civilian parents, regardless of whether they live in the same county as their chosen school, elsewhere in the UK or overseas. Once the application has been submitted the child must

also undergo an assessment to determine their suitability for boarding, which will include a face-to-face or skype interview and a boarding reference from their current school. Some schools are selective so the child will also need to pass an entrance exam, but this will be explained on the individual schools’ admissions criteria. Paul Spencer Ellis, chairman of the SBSA and headmaster at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Surrey, said: “Few counties have a state boarding school so most local authorities have little or no experience of dealing with boarding admissions and parents are frequently advised that they cannot apply for a boarding place after October. That simply isn’t the case. “Yes, our day school places fill up fast and boarding places at some of the specialist MOD and smaller schools go by March, but the majority of larger state boarding schools will still have places until the summer because they aim to cater to the needs

PARENTS WHO QUALIFY FOR THE CEA WILL BE PRIORITISED OVER APPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN OF CIVILIAN PARENTS of parents, such as Service Personnel, whose circumstances can change radically over the course of a year.” As well as applying for state senior school boarding, it is also possible to apply for state Sixth Form boarding after the deadline. Many places at state Sixth Form boarding schools are allocated under a conditional offer, which means they are dependent on the pupil achieving certain exam results. Come results day, the situation can change and sixth forms that were full can suddenly have places available. For advice on applying for state boarding or for more information, visit www.sbsa.org.uk where you can also download a free Parent’s Guide.



> BOARDING SCHOOLS

ROYAL SCHOOL HAMPSTEAD TRUST: WHOM WE HELP AND HOW Colonel R A Field-Smith MBE MA Chairman, Royal School Hampstead Trust

I

n my first article in 2014 I told you something about the history of the Royal School Hampstead Trust. I am going to build on that here, to tell you some more and help you to decide if we can assist you. The Trust, set up in 1856 to support the orphaned daughters of soldiers killed in the Crimea, has as its current purpose: “To provide financial support for the education of children and young people of serving or former Armed Forces parents, affected by the realities of Service life”. We recognise that “affected” could be through physical injury, or death, to a parent, reducing their ability to provide fully for their family, or emotional upset directly felt by the child. In the latter case this could be the negative effect of traumatic stress experienced by a parent, or family breakdown exacerbated by military service. It could also be a physical or mental condition that has not been as easily supported in the Services environment.

We look always at how the child’s or young person’s education is being disrupted or spoiled, and how we can help by enabling more continuity or a solution better tailored to their needs. We generally provide grants towards tuition and/or boarding fees at a school, college or university, but can also help with one-off costs. We also have special arrangements with Cognita, who run 50 schools in the UK, to provide discounted places. We look to encourage shared solutions, either with other charities’ contributions, or from the parents or wider family. We are now considering more widely how we can provide help on a group basis through financial support to schools where there are a significant number of Services pupils. We believe that there will be places where such children will benefit from additional support, which cannot be funded from other sources. In our first 3 years as a grant giving Trust we have helped over 70 children and young people, and it is heartening to hear comments like: “I have recently completed my degree. This would not have been possible without the generosity of the Trust”; “The support I have received has, I believe, been instrumental in helping me gain my first job”; “Last year’s grant proved a huge asset to our educational provision at the school”; “You have no idea what welcome news this is! That is a huge weight off my mind. I very much appreciate your kind help”. If you feel that we can help, my advice to you in submitting an application is to be honest, tell us as much as you can about the difficulties with your child’s education, and your own financial circumstances now and

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

for the next few years. We are not looking to give Services children an advantage over their peers, but to help overcome difficulties caused by the unique and challenging circumstances of the military profession followed by one or both parents. We hope to enable the same opportunities

“ I HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED MY DEGREE. THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY OF THE TRUST ” for study, learning and preparation for working life that all children and young people should expect. We do not promote any particular solution but look at each application on its merits, with the interests of the child or young person at the front of our minds.

The application form can be found on our website www.rshtrust.com and at present this must be filled in manually and returned either by e-mail to admin@rshtrust.com or to PO Box 9088, Poole, BH12 9JE. We are now working towards an electronic system to make matters easier for applicants and streamline the process!


LEADING THE WAY Here’s Mr Kemble, our Art & Photography Teacher. Having surfed at national and European levels – he’s not just a dab hand with a paint brush. At Warminster we don’t only choose the best teachers to educate our pupils – we choose the most interesting ones. Collectively, our staff have rowed the Atlantic, played World-class rugby, led expeditions, directed West End musicals, sung with pop stars and climbed Kilimanjaro. Individually, we are diverse in our interests, driven in our passions and determined to work together to do things a little differently. If you are too, then get in touch.

01985 210160 admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk www.warminsterschool.org.uk


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

Registered Charity number: 307048

Farlington School’s new Junior Boarding House, Fishponds, is now open. It is a selfcontained house with a kitchen, living room and facilities for 12 Boarders ranging in age from 8 to 13. Older boarders live in the main Mansion House. Farlington is an outstanding independent girls’ day and boarding school located on the West Sussex/Surrey border, just outside Horsham. It provides an excellent all-round education for up to 400 girls aged 3-18 with a co-educational Nursery. If you would like to attend an open event or arrange a personal tour of the school to meet the Headmistress, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Sue Apps, on 01403 282 573 or visit our website:

www.farlingtonschool.net

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

Farlington School | Horsham | West Sussex | RH12 3PN


> BOARDING SCHOOLS

THE CASE FOR AN ALL GIRLS’ EDUCATION WRITTEN BY: Mrs Frances Mwale, Prep Headmistress, Farlington School

Y

ou have probably heard the suggestion that girls do better in single-sex schools and that boys thrive in co-education; of course, this often doesn’t add up. In moving from a large, co-ed Prep School to an all girls’ Prep, I noted significant differences: the calm purposeful atmosphere, absence of low-level disruption in lessons and the very active and energetic break times enjoyed by our girls. I loved my own girls’ school education through which I journeyed from Kindergarten to Upper Sixth, yet at Teacher Training College I was told I had, ‘survived despite my education, rather than thrived because of it’! But do girls really learn in different ways from boys? How, as educators, do we adapt our teaching to maximise learning potential? Are there age-phases where being educated with other girls only has a particular advantage? Research predominantly describes how girls like to please: they seek to be acknowledged but do not enjoy being put on the spot. They are happy to stay in their seats, like to be warm, to colour in and be neat, to collaborate and to earn praise. Girls concentrate well. They learn to talk earlier (as

infants they are a couple of months ahead), then go on to outpace boys in their reading and writing. The advantages for girls of classroom learning environments seem strong and yet through the teenage years, the detrimental impact of diminishing self-esteem can take its toll. Friendships, including those with boys where girls begin to feel emotional at an earlier age, can become problematic. The resulting lack of competitive spirit can diminish girls’ aspirations. Many girls find it harder to visualise and can have weaker spatial awareness, both attributed to lower achievement in the sciences and mathematics, yet by encouraging girls to be key players in lessons and STEM clubs, this can be redressed. I firmly believe that girls, as all learners, have a spectrum of differing approaches, highlighting their various strengths and weaknesses. Whilst some may seek continual affirmation, others are more introverted, inwardly proud of their progress and modest about sharing it. There are girls too who are boisterous and take risks, who are vociferous in class and scribble out ideas quickly, with little regard to presentation. As educators who have opted to work

in an all girls’ school, we adapt teaching styles to suit the entire spectrum of learning styles but we are also experts in getting the best from girls: we know how to tune in to provide what is needed. We ensure that we are praising the right things: not just praising girls for being compliant learners, but also recognising the merit in strong thinking skills. With relational factors paramount for girls, they ought to have the upper hand in today’s workforce where teamwork and inter-dependence are prized. Educators of girls maximise this, encouraging empathy through team sport (physical activity benefits us all) and projects, as well as developing an ethos of mutual supportiveness. In the Prep School, girls learn how to relate to one another and stride forwards with an ever-growing confidence. Further up the school, girls are not held back by focusing too much on what boys think of them. Girls’ schools provide equal access to learning, no matter which subject. Gender stereotypes are avoided completely as girls step up to take on all the roles of responsibility and leadership, and teaching staff are able to keep the social-emotional agenda at the heart of learning.

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 21


> SCIENCE: FULNECK SCHOOL

MAKING WAVES AT SCHOOLS’ SEISMOLOGY WORKSHOP WRITTEN BY: Fulneck School - www.fulneckschool.co.uk

where earthquakes occur. They also looked into discovering the frequency distribution of the different magnitudes of earthquakes. The British Geological Survey was represented by Mr Paul Denton (Manager of UK Schools Seismology Project) who talked to the students about possible careers in Seismology and what Seismologists do. He also outlined the different types of Seismology equipment and their development over the centuries. Teams were tasked with making a model Seismometer using basic materials provided. They were also challenged to design a poster to convey their understanding of what they had learnt. The final presentation was by guest speaker Jurgen Neuberg, Professor of Physical Volcanology at Leeds University, who explained and gave examples of Volcano Seismology.

“ SUCH AN EVENT BROADENS THE HORIZON OF THE STUDENTS INVOLVED. THEY REALISE THAT STUDYING PHYSICS AND MATHS CAN LEAD TO AN EXCITING CAREER ” Science pupils and staff from two Yorkshire schools joined Fulneck Physicists for a day of specialist teaching and practical training on the science of earthquakes.

T

he Physics Department at Fulneck School, which runs a thriving Seismology extra-curricular club, was delighted to welcome and share their expertise with 12 students from Years 8, 9 and 12 at The Grammar School at Leeds and 8 girls from Year 9 at Batley Girls’ High School, as well as their teachers. 16 Fulneck Year 9 students also participated in the event. The invitation was extended to schools participating in the Ogden Trust Partnership, a charitable trust set up to promote the teaching and learning of Physics. The Fulneck Seismology project is supported by Erasmus+, and the Physics Department works in partnership with three

other schools in Europe (in Naples, Nice and Torquay). As part of that project, Fulneck physicists are involved in outreach activities which benefit other schools, and the student Seismologists had been preparing for this Workshop as part of their project. They developed the teaching materials and produced a lot of the equipment required to help teach aspects of Seismology to their peers. During the event, the students presented their work to their guests and also acted as team leaders for each group. In the course of the Workshop, the students and their teachers learned about different types of seismic waves, designing seismometers, locating earthquakes by triangulation and searching for patterns in

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

The teams’ posters were judged by Professor Neuberg, Mr Denton and Principal Mrs Newman, and a team from Batley Girls’ High School was declared the winners. Their prize was a TC1 Seismometer to take back to their school. Principal Mrs Newman said of the event: “We are delighted to have been joined by so many young scientists keen to further their understanding of this subject. The Workshop is a prime example of the cutting edge science in which our students are engaged at Fulneck School, and I am very proud of their involvement in hosting and presenting their knowledge and expertise at this event. I hope that as a result of their experience, our visiting students will be motivated into studying Physics and Science in general at A level and beyond.” Professor Neuberg added: “Such an event broadens the horizon of the students involved. They realise that studying Physics and Maths can lead you to an exciting career. I felt that I have met some of tomorrow’s scientists during this event. “


> BOARDING SCHOOLS

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

Contact us through: www.rshtrust.com Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 23


> THE DUKE OF YORK’S ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL

SURPRISED BY A PRINCE ON PARADE! Our students like to welcome special guests to the School, to show them the site and explain why it’s such a unique and iconic place to study for GCSEs and A Levels. This term we proudly welcomed Prince Harry to inspect the Parade. The visit was kept as a complete surprise to students and staff who felt extremely honoured to receive him. He presented senior prefects with their medals and spoke at length with the students, discussing their future career plans. The story went global with news channels in Australia, America and Brazil reporting on his surprise visit. A video of the Prince’s visit to the School can be viewed on the home page of the School’s website www.doyrms.com

THE CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF OPENS THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS The following week, students were very pleased to meet The British Army’s Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter. All students were on parade to salute General Sir Nicholas Carter who inspected the ranks before touring the school with senior prefect students. He later officially opened the school’s new buildings, which include teaching blocks, junior boarding accommodation, a sports hall and a drama studio, by unveiling a brass plaque. The school has a strong military ethos and is popular with parents serving in the Armed Forces. Therefore, it was fitting for General Sir Nicholas Carter to compliment the school during his address on how well it prepared those students considering a career in the Armed Forces.

Chris Russell, the school’s Executive Principal, said: “General Sir Nicholas Carter’s visit to officially open our new teaching facilities was a tremendous honour. He is the most senior ranking member of the British Army, and our students and staff were highly impressed by his visit. We particularly welcomed his positive comments regarding the school’s achievements and ethos which helps to develop character and resilience.”

WELCOMING NEW STUDENTS

GRADED ‘GOOD’ IN ALL CATEGORIES BY OFSTED

QUICK LINKS TO LONDON AND EUROPE

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 GCSEs and A Levels. We can now offer students 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.

The School has been graded ‘Good’ in all categories by Ofsted.

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.

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.

COME TO OUR OPEN MORNING: Our next Open Morning is on Saturday 12 March 2016. To book your place or for a personal tour of the school, please call our Registrar on 01304 245073. www.doyrms.com 24 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk


LEADERSHIP

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

Full and weekly boarding now available Open Morning: 12 March 2016 Contact us to book a place or to arrange a personal tour and interview

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is a state boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. We welcome applications from any student who wants to study GCSEs and A Levels at our unique and iconic school with its strong traditions.

Why choose us?

‘Good’ in all areas by • Active lifestyle including • Graded Ofsted. sport, music, drama and activities. 80% of our students • Over secure their first or second £24.9 million refurbishment • choice of University. has delivered a new sports centre, high-quality student is encouraged • Every accommodation and teaching to achieve their potential in a supportive community.

blocks and a performing arts centre.

ethos helps develop • Military have the flexibility character and life skills. • Students of full and weekly boarding. 2015/16 fees are just £11,820* per year. If you qualify for CEA, you will only pay £1,182 per year.

Enquiries: 01304 245073 admin.office@doyrms.com

www.doyrms.com *Fees are reviewed annually


> CCF

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

C

CF, which exists in over 260 UK schools, is a partnership between schools and the Ministry of Defence which offers young people aged 13-18 a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities which help them develop a sense of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. The popular CCF began at Barney in 1909 and currently has 160 students enrolled out of the 305 students who are eligible. Old Barnardian, Ed Challis, was on the Queen’s latest honours and awards list for commanding the last strategic outpost in Afghanistan and overseeing its closure. He used to be in the CFF and believes it

has played a part in making him who he is today. On CCF at Barney, he said: “There was lots of teamwork so I learnt how to interact with others. I think I was subconsciously learning a lot of different skills during the activities. I learnt why discipline is important and how to get on with a huge variety of people. “Strength of character came through the combination of things we did at Barney: playing rugby, public speaking and the School operates in a way which teaches its pupils to be decent people – with a sense of responsibility. “I meet a lot of young adults who haven’t learnt basic, practical life skills, the skills which give people a sense of

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> Barnard Castle School CCF Pupils

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 adventure pupils get from these activities. The current cadets at Barney are constantly taking on challenges which test their


> CCF 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

“ 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 ”

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.

> Lieutenant Ed Challis

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

ENTRANCE DAYS 2016 BUILDING FUTURES

Saturday 23 January 2016

For entry into Years 3-10 in September 2016.

Forces Discount

Open Morning Saturday 5th March

9:30am to 11:30am

Saturday 6 February 2016

For entry into the Sixth Form in September 2016 Register online NOW | barnardcastleschool.org.uk Contact: Julia Simpson | T: +44(0)1833 696030 | admissions@barneyschool.org.uk INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 4 TO 18 YEARS

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 27


> FAITH SCHOOLS

EVERYONE NEEDS A CHAPLAIN WRITTEN BY: Fr Peter Williams, Senior Chaplain at Worth School

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 dropin 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. St Benedict is very clear that people are

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

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 INTERWEAVING OF CHAPLAINCY INTO THE DAY-TODAY 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 DAY S

2016 6TH FEB 12TH MAR 23RD APR

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

www.worthschool.org.uk


> D OF E

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

T

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

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

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

Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests – film making, learning to drive, playing an instrument or learning to care for an animal all count! Expedition: getting outdoors for an adventurous journey – planning, training for and completing a challenging journey in


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> D OF E

the UK or abroad is possibly the most exciting aspect of the DofE. At Gold level, there’s an additional Residential section to complete which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.

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

What do employers think about the DofE? In a recent independent survey of UK employers by the United

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

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

To find out more about The DofE please visit www.DofE.org, or, Follow Us on Twitter: @DofE

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www.icyuk.co.uk

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 31


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

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

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

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

More information to be found on www.sharevillage.org or contact Share Discovery Village Tel: 028 67722122 E: info@sharevillage.org

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

£275 per person

Price includes: Morning, Afternoon & Evening Activities, Food, Accommodation 24 hour supervision

Duke of Edinburgh Residentials & Expeditions

Offering a range of Residentials, Expeditions, Canoe & Bike

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

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

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 35


> D OF E

SUMMER CAMP XUK Activity is a residential summer camp for children aged 6-17 in England. In the depths of the beautiful Norfolk countryside, XUK provide the best mix of challenging and exciting activities. Expect the unexpected as every day we do something different at XUK. Outward bounds, quad biking, scuba diving, wall climbing, multi-sports, dance, drama, yoga, camp fires, air rifle shooting, fencing are just some of the activities available to you! After an action-packed morning and afternoon, all children head to an evening activity which integrates the whole camp! From murder mysteries to casino nights – it is an atmosphere you don’t want to miss! XUK’s staff are experienced, friendly and enthusiastic. They are experts at settling children into the XUK way of life and running high quality activities whilst ensuring your child’s safety!

With over 20 years’ experience and rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, XUK Activity is a summer camp that you can trust.

Why not make unforgettable memories, new friends from all over the world and experience something new with XUK!

To find our more about our 2016 dates and prices, please visit our website:

W: www.xkeys.co.uk/residential-camp E: enquiry@xkeys.co.uk I T: 020 8371 9686 I F: facebook.com/xukcamps I T: @xukactivitycamp

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 33


>

ADVENTUREX

Trekking

ESCAPE ROUTINE THE

AND

LiveTheAdventure! IMAGINE:

Waking up with the warm glow of the sunshine, the gentle sounds of the river and the crackle of the campfire as the smell of breakfast greets you after unzipping your tent. The morning mist lingering over the calm waters as you take a few steps across the warm sandy beach and re-join our team who will have poured a hot mug of tea for you as you sit down, before discussing what the day will have in store.

Kayaking

Kayaking is an exciting activity that gives you the ultimate go anywhere freedom on water from checking out the caves on the sea, drifting around the calm waters of lakes and rivers or mastering the white water rapids for that fix of adrenaline like no other. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced paddler looking to develop your skills we have an adventure for you. From 2 hour taster sessions on our multi activity breaks in Austria, 15 day kayak schools in Nepal or multi day class 5 adventures, we will take your kayaking experience to the next level.

Our philosophy is to leave nothing but footprints and when it comes to trekking that’s exactly what we do. Trekking is an intense cultural experience as well as an exploration of the world’s most friendly and spectacular environments. Trekking routes were originally built for transportation routes for goods and people to the remote areas where vehicles cannot reach. Trekking offers a very heart-warming experience that is often related to as spiritual with many people making the journey to visit the remote temples that are still believed to be sacred today. From tea house to tea house, village to village we will guide you through the mountains bringing an experience where you will not only find natural beauty but as it’s often said, find yourself.

White Water Rafting

Mountain Biking

A raft is like a big inflatable rubber dingy that seats between 6 and 12 people who each are given a paddle. Your raft guide will give out commands and navigate you downstream. From scenic multiday trips through the deep sun kissed mountain gorges in Morocco, to some of the world’s most exciting rivers in India, Nepal and Zambia, the big and bouncy rapids will be sure to get your heart racing.

Multi Activity Breaks in Austria The Austrian alps is our local playground with all of the activities you can imagine right on our doorstep. Short flight or pleasant drive through France and Germany and you will arrive at our base with log cabin accommodation welcoming you to a world of adventure. It’s not all about action though with some interesting shopping and relaxing spas close by for those who want to kick back and enjoy some quality time in the mountains. 34 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk

The foothills of Nepal are one of the greatest playgrounds for the adventurous mountain biker. The trails offer scenic beauty as you pedal through villages, terraced rice fields, temples and monasteries witnessing the spectacular views of the snowy peaks as your ride throw the stunning Himalayan backdrops. With trips ranging from 1 to 2 weeks from technical downhill for the adrenaline junkies to the more gentle cross-country that allows you to soak up the amazing views, Nepal has it all.


Without Adventure... What is Life?

AdventureX | www.adventurex.co.uk | info@adventurex.co.uk |

AdventureX offer the

ultimate in adventure travel. We specialise in custom trips designed around you, and our passion is in providing and sharing the moments you will remember for a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend break, a week or two of adventure, or a month long expedition, with expert guides coming from international competition and worldwide travel backgrounds, you are in good hands.

| Austria | Fiji | India | Morocco | Nepal | New Zealand | USA | Zambia |


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

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

GET IN TOUCH

NEW FOR 2016

Contact our family expert Bob today: 01273

647230

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

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


> D OF E

DofE Expeditions, guided walks, navigation courses, mountain biking in Northumberland, Yorkshire Dales... or wherever you want! Included: Most of our expeditions take place in the Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall areas, however we are happy to use other areas such as the Yorkshire Dales, if that is more convenient for your school/organisation. We also provide guided walks, navigation courses and Level 3 Certificate in BEL.

Please contact us on: Tel: 0191 4133775 , Mobile: 07786902586 or email northeastguides@hotmail.co.uk for an initial discussion regarding your requirements.

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 37


ACHIEVE AN ONLINE MASTERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

STUDYING WHILST TACKLING EBOLA PROVES NO BARRIER FOR UDOL STUDENT

Alan Whitfield, Academic Lead for Environmental Health at the University of Derby Online Learning.

E

nvironmental health faces many challenges in the current political climate and not least is the pressure on local government finances where many environmental health functions have traditionally been located. But the skills and knowledge of environmental health graduates are transferable across many areas and so the future for them is bright. We know from our experience of supporting military personnel that they already come equipped with the skills and attributes needed for a successful career in environmental health. The University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) has a proven track record of supporting military personnel through their MSc Environmental Health programme. We are fully aware of the circumstances and situations in which they might find themselves and we are able to respond to their needs through our flexible approach to learning. We have had people serving in Afghanistan, Kenya, Cyprus and Germany who successfully undertake and complete the programme. This has allowed them to gain registration with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) who accredit the programme. This qualification is recognised by the military and also in civvie street, so you can be assured that you are studying for a

qualification that meets both professional and business needs, future proofing your career. The MSc in Environmental Health is a postgraduate degree that focuses on developing higher level skills enabling students to critically evaluate the risk from a wide range of environmental health hazards (stressors). You will be challenged in your ability to critically evaluate the risk to public health from a range of these stressors; to gather relevant information/evidence; understand the range of interventions available including formal action; consider the actual or potential effects of the interventions (or absence of ) on human health; and be able to communicate and justify any action/intervention and be able to make a case for working in partnership to contribute to any health outcome. As a CIEH accredited programme it follows the Environmental Health Curriculum 2011 so you can be assured that the syllabus is current and topical. The course will give you under-pinning knowledge and skills in all aspects of environmental health practice, including food safety; health and safety at work; environmental protection; housing and public health. In our experience, many military personnel choose this course because they already work in an environmental health related role or may have an environmental health awareness through their roles in catering and risk assessment. Studying an online degree programme is particularly attractive as it allows you to fit your studies around your work and can be undertaken anywhere in the world. It is flexible enough to accommodate last minute and unexpected deployments and the UDOL team are always ready to support you through this.

For more information about UDOL or our MSc Environmental Health visit: www.derby.ac.uk/online

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

University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) student Duane Stapleton, has been working in Sierra Leone as an Environmental Health Technician tackling Ebola. Duane studied an MSc in Environmental Health with UDOL, and has recently returned to Portsmouth from Sierra Leone where he set up a separate laboratory as part of a medical treatment unit to treat both military and non-governmental organisation (NGO) entitled personnel. Duane said: “My role was primarily to provide a lab service for emergency and routine testing for all non-Ebola patients. However, my role also extended to providing advice of infection control, hygiene monitoring and infectious diseases. “Studying online is allowing me to learn whilst on the job. I value the convenience and challenge of studying without having to enter a classroom. Studying with UDOL has enabled me as a manager, to be more aware of the regulations and my responsibilities surrounding health and safety, disease surveillance and reporting. As a microbiologist, I now understand that role that the Environmental Health Officer plays in disease prevention and my role in diagnostics.” Duane added: “My degree will assist me in becoming a health and safety manager as well as a Bio Safety representative within any given laboratory. Experience in diagnostic microbiology and environmental health knowledge is an invaluable combination, which I hope will enable me to achieve my future goal.” Alan Whitfield, Academic Lead for Environmental Health at UDOL added: “Duane is managing to juggle his studies alongside high pressured duties as an Environmental Health Technician in the armed forces. Our programme has helped Duane to broaden his knowledge base and to apply this into a wider Public Health context.”


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

Ready to find out more?

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

• • • • • • • • •

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

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

www.derby.ac.uk/military


SCHOOL OF SPORT, HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCES

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

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

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

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

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

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



PROVIDING FRONTLINE SUPPORT FOR OUR FORCES

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity charity, provides lifelong support to Regulars and Reserves, who are serving or have ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force. We also provide support to their families.

CALL 0800 731 4880 ssafa.org.uk

@SSAFA


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

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

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

www.sunderland.ac.uk


Edinburgh Institute

You learn. You do. You succeed.

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

Treverr Beynon TreverrArmy Beynon British

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More details at:

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

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

personally in achieving a degree?

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

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

experience that has ended with a real sense of achievement.

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

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


> BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

PEOPLE WHO LEAVE THE MILITARY, LEAVE WITH A WEALTH OF SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES THAT EQUIP THEM WELL FOR CIVILIAN LIFE

B

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.

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!

COME AND JOIN US SO YOU CAN > > > > > >

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 first-hand 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

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. Build on your experiences with a course at Bishop Burton College.

For more information on the subjects offered, visit bishopburton.ac.uk. Make 2016 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

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 Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 45


> TEACHER TRAINING

TROOPS TO TEACHERS WRITTEN BY: REESON Education

In order to help former members of The Royal Navy, Royal Air force and Royal Navy to become teachers, in 2013, the government launched a Troops to Teachers (TtT) scheme. The programme offers ex service leavers the opportunity to open up a new career path whilst participating in employment based learning. There are different routes available to enrol on the programme, depending on previous skills and qualifications.

The Courses

Structure

The layout of the programme differs depending on whether the service leavers have a degree or not. Service leavers with a degree can go down a number of routes. There is a 1-year school direct salaried course, which is for leavers who have served 3 or more years. They will receive a personalised training package which will be suited to their previous skills and experience. The 1-year school direct non-salaried course allows leavers to apply regardless of the amount of time that they have served. Finally, there is a 1-year university course such as a PGSE. For those service leavers who don’t have a degree there are options available if they have gained qualifications and skills whilst being in the forces. For those applicable they will undertake a 2 year course salaried teacher training programme. As part of the course they will be on a placement for 4 days a week, then one day of learning in university. Also, they will receive personalised training and development to build upon their existing skills and experiences.

The structure of the course can slightly differ depending on the trainees skills and knowledge, however there is a basic format in place will all trainees will follow. Firstly, you will spend a week in the school you will be training in then this will follow with a week residential induction. Then the employment based training will begin. Professionals will support you in your training, which there will be mentors, course managers, lead mentors and placement/ Curriculum tutors available. The programme is based around distance learning technology and face to face teaching. You will take part in keynote sessions, scheduled and self study activities and tasks within your delivery school.

Career Opportunities When the TtT programme is finished there are attractive career opportunities at the end of it. When participating in teacher training the scheme tries to put candidates into schools which are best suited to their skills and experiences to enhance the chances of gaining a full time position once they have gained their QTS.

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

Fees The programme doesn’t have any fees. Trainees gain around 80% of point 1 of the unqualified teachers pay scale, which is around £12,000. Usually, no other student finance options are applicable to the trainees. The TtT is a great opportunity for service leavers who are wishing to pursue a new career. There are set training modules and personalised development plans in order for trainees to reach their full potential and increase their employability skills.

REESON Education

London’s Premier Recruitment Agency says ‘’Ex-servicemen and women have the potential to be outstanding teachers as they possess transferrable skills that can be used in the classroom; such as teamwork, leadership, respect, discipline and motivation. Not only will children benefit hugely from these values but also, ex-military personnel have the ability to inspire the next generation by using their background and skills to engage their students. TtT is a great chance for armed forces leavers to receive personalised training and development to enhance their skills to improve behaviour and all round educational achievement in the next generation’’


Is it time for a change? Thinking of a new career?

Become a teacher

Soldiers, lawyers, musicians, journalists, civil servants, personal assistants, insurance brokers and more have all become teachers with us. And they haven’t looked back since. Now they are all making a difference to children’s lives every day. And you can, too. Through our one-year programme, ambitious and dedicated peop le can train to teach on-the-job, while being supported by a talented group of experienced teachers and a successful network of scho ols. It’s the perfect way to use your experience and skills to transform lives. Including your own. Apply now: arkteachertraining.org


> ELCAS

TIPS ON HOW TO GAIN CIVILIAN RECOGNISED VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS WRITTEN BY: Perran James, TQ Education & Training

Many of you within the Armed Forces, it is fair to say, have received the highest quality training and education there is and it is frustrating that so much of this is sadly not recognised on the other side of the wire by civilian employers, although I am now led to believe that there are plans to address this to some extent. > Perran James

When you leave the Armed Forces, it is vitally important that you demonstrate on your CV, a selection of transferable skills and vocational qualifications because employers very much expect applicants to ‘hit the ground running’ these days with the skills and qualifications needed to do the job. I sadly meet so many people who leave it far too late before realising they need these skills and qualifications before leaving the Armed Forces and this often results in periods of unemployment during job searching, coupled with the demoralising experience of being cast aside at the application stage. How many younger members of the Armed Forces leave school with virtually nothing in the way of qualifications and are now leaving after serving the minimum length of service, with little to show for their time? The likelihood is that they will struggle

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

to gain employment, particularly as statistics recognise that just over a million young people between the ages of 16 to 24 are unemployed or not in education. I work for TQ, a company who has been working closely with the Armed Forces for many years, providing high quality training and vocational qualifications. The vocational qualifications we offer the Armed Forces we do not offer to anyone else and as a result these courses are endorsed and very heavily discounted for Armed Forces personnel and their dependents. We are a passionate team of individuals who are fully aware of the challenges the civilian jobs market offers. Using this passion, drive and commitment, we want to help those personnel and their dependants succeed in achieving the vocational qualifications and workplace skills needed to succeed in securing employment on civvy street or for progressing through the ranks. We have helped large numbers of personnel in the past and continue to do so with great success and this is something we feel very strongly and passionately about. Offering a wide range of vocational and knowledge based courses including NVQs, ITQ, ILM, Driver CPC, ITSSAR Counterbalance Forklift truck, we are certain there is a course which will appeal to you; we also routinely introduce new courses based on the feedback we encourage. All military personnel are encouraged to commit to professional and personal development and the Armed Forces incentivises this commitment by not only subsidising the course fees but also offering £175 of Standard Learning Credits annually, which can be used to reduce short term course fees by as much as 80%. The course fees are a fraction of the equivalent civilian course fees, offering exceptional value for money. As an assessor and someone who strives to help those individuals who want to help themselves, I cannot stress the importance of ensuring you not only give yourself the best possible chance of succeeding in the civilian jobs market but to also ensure you are a viable and attractive resource to any potential employer. So in summary, utilise your time in the Armed Forces to get as many civilian recognised qualifications on your CV that you can, especially as they are so attractively priced. You may still have a number of years to serve but I say, “there is no time like the present”. Use your Standard Learning Credits to reduce the course fees for short term courses like NVQs, ECDL, ITQ and ILM and your Enhanced Learning Credits for more expensive, longer term courses. And above all, take the time and if necessary seek advice to ensure you have created the perfect CV which is going to impress and demonstrate that you are a potential asset that no employer can afford not to consider. If you want to know more, then please feel free to email me at perran.james@pearson.com


> ELCAS

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?

• •

• • •

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

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

0800 587 0170

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

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

www.ambreyrecruitment.com

Partner

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

MOD Approved Fire Safety Training In support of ELC Scheme

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

We hold public fire training courses throughout the year, at venues around the UK, including 5 Day Fire Risk Assessor, Fire Manager and Advanced Diploma. Visit our website for full course details

To register your interest or for more information call us on 01925 211488 or email info@vulcanfiretraining.co.uk

www.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk/elc

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 49


> ELCAS

AIRWAYS AVIATION IS A WORLD LEADER IN FLIGHT TRAINING

O

ur philosophy is to train future commercial pilots and develop industry leaders by providing access to world-class training facilities, a state-of-the-art fleet and the world’s leading aviation instructors and educators. We will equip future generations of pilots with the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need to succeed in their chosen aviation careers. We are an approved ELCAS provider and have some exclusive offers for members of armed forces. Airways Aviation has announced the launch of its flagship integrated ATPL course, Elite Pathways Programme™ (EPP). The Airways Aviation EPP is a fully integrated ATPL package offering students EASA approved training with a focus on student experience and industry-readiness. Working closely with industry partners and aviation experts, Airways Aviation has purposefully designed and developed its EPP to provide a student-centric approach to training that offers additional skills, experience and opportunities beyond the standard ATPL course. This means that while the EPP offers the key attributes of a fully integrated ATPL these are packaged with

BECOME A PILOT FLY IN THE UK AND EUROPE From our outstanding academies in the UK and Spain we offer integrated and modular pilot training with an airline focus. Call us today to discuss your training options and career pathway with our friendly, experienced staff. t +44 (0)247 776 7000 w airwaysaviation.com

52 II Education Education for for the the Military Military II www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk 50

additional airline preparation experience and advanced flight training – including upset recovery, multi pilot and jet training. We provide aspiring pilots with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approved training pathways, from private pilot through to airline transport pilot licence options. Our curriculum is developed in consultation with the aviation industry and in adherence with the rigorous obligations of international aviation governing bodies. At Airways Aviation we focus on creating equal opportunities in the aviation sector for male and female, domestic and international students alike. Furthermore, we strive to provide our students and graduates with exceptional support throughout their education journey in this exciting and rapidly expanding industry. Airways Aviation is committed to delivering high quality teaching and learning outcomes, along with an unforgettable experience on land and in the air. We provide fully equipped, purpose-built classrooms and student areas, and maintain a world-class fleet of aircraft to ensure that our students and staff fly safely and with confidence.


> RECRUITMENT

EX-ARMY OFFICERS HELP EX-MILITARY PERSONNEL FORGE SECOND CAREER WRITTEN BY: The British Training Board

Antony and Adrian Rabey, brothers and business partners from Swansea, South Wales, who served in the army for a combined 44 years, have formed a business designed to help existing or former members of the armed forces embark on a successful second career by translating military training into qualifications accepted in civilian life.

T

he change from the armed forces into civilian life can be a hard transition. According to a report by The Centre for Social Justice (November 2014), unemployment amongst ex-service personnel aged 18-49 is twice the national average and estimates suggest that as many as six per cent of the UK homeless population currently could be ex-armed forces personnel. The situation is not helped by the fact that many forms of training and qualifications gained in the military are not recognised by non-military employers or institutions. This means that very highly qualified and skilled individuals can struggle to find appropriate

work because their skills and qualifications are simply not recognised by employers. This results in many already competent ex-soldiers and ex-armed forces personnel veterans having to re-train for significant periods of time to learn skills that they already possess. Antony and Adrian Rabey, brothers and business partners, both served in the Royal Logistic Corp in the British Army. Their time in the army saw them assigned to many theatres of operation and were active as trainers and mentors in many military training environments. They both completed their careers in army recruiting teams. Antony initially established Aartic LGV

Training Services in 2009. Adrian joined him in 2012 and the business then became a limited company. It delivers a range of training needs such as driver training and health and safety training to a client base that includes the DVLA, Princes Gate, Cymru Coaches and the Department of Work and Pensions. But more recently, the brothers identified a gap in the market for a company able to translate military qualifications into civilian ones. They therefore formed The British Training Board, which works with a range of accredited awarding bodies, such as Agored Cymru and the National Open College Network, to create efficient mechanisms for individuals to gain full credit for training they have completed in the military in civilian life. Some qualifications can easily be transferred with no further work; sometimes an exam or recorded discussion is required, but the system means individuals avoid having to repeat many weeks or months of training they have already completed. The company currently has 19 qualifications available for accreditation, including Education and Training at Level 3 and 4, certificates in Management at Level 3 and Human Resources. The number of accredited qualifications it provides is continuously increasing. Anthony Rabey, Partner in The British Training Board, said: “As ex-military personnel, we understand what it is like for men and women leaving the armed forces who need to begin looking for work in everyday society. It is a massive transition for them. We set up The British Training Board to help these people get the recognised training they need to get the work they desire, often through simply extending the skills they already have from being in the forces. It is fantastic to see the confidence build in those who have been out of work for some time.” Adrian Rabey, director of The British Training Board, said: “It can be so frustrating for former soldiers and military personnel to get the recognition they deserve for the experience and training they have already had. The British Training Board aims to simplify this by mapping the skills that these people already have and transferring the skills identified into an accredited qualification. This means when a potential employer asks to see evidence of their skills, they can provide an accredited certificate, which can help them land a job.” THE BRITISH TRAINING BOARD

info@britishtrainingboard.org.uk www.britishtrainingboard.org.uk AARTIC TRAINING GROUP

info@aarticts.com www.aarticts.com

Follow Us: @educationmat I Education for the Military I 51


Training on your doorstep, where we put our students first

"BV Associates Limited is more than a training provider and you get far more than you would expect. They understand your needs and help you every step of the way, even after the training course has long finished". A Peters

We are proud to serve members of the Armed Forces wherever they find themselves and our aim is to help you maximise your available funding whilst minimising your personal contribution.

No Hidden Costs Unlike other providers, we don’t have hidden costs - our course prices include VAT and all exam fees.

Pass Power Promise We go further then anyone else – fail an exam and you can re-sit the course and exam for free within a year.

Course Bundles (ELCAS approved): We can provide single courses or bundles of the following courses to suit your own future career aspirations or to support existing continuous professional development. NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety plus (11-days) NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management (5-days) NEBOSH National Certificate in Environmental Management (6-days) NEBOSH Intl. Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety (5-days) NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Health and Safety (10-days) First Aid at Work (3-days) Risk Assessment (2-days) Teacher Training (5-days) We also provide the following courses: Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) (5-days) Fist Aid Refresher (3 hours) or Requalification (2-days) IOSH Managing Safely (5-days) CPR Defibrillator Training (1-day) Emergency First Aid (1-day) IOSH Directing Safety (1-day)

Our Venues We have 12 venues with easy access from the whole of the UK allowing you to choose the venue that best suits your own training needs, split the course dates around your own schedule or train at multiple venues: Aldershot (Hampshire) Chatham (Kent) Paderborn (Germany) High Wycombe (Buckinghamshire)

Tidworth (Wiltshire) Maidstone (Kent) Catterick (Yorkshire) Kinloss (Scotland)

Bovington Camp (Dorset) Woolwich (London) Cleethorpes (Lincolnshire) Chester (Cheshire)

Find out about all of our courses, costs and future dates at www.bvassociates.co.uk, email us at info@bvassociates.co.uk or call us direct on 01494 864100


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> FRANCHISING

What type of experience do you have?

FINDING THE RIGHT FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU! Franchising is a fantastic way to work for yourself; however do not expect it to be the easy option. Franchising requires much thought and hard work; however it is a safer way to owning your own business. Your franchise opportunity is a tried and tested business model, so all the creases have been ironed out before it is offered on the open market, giving you some peace of mind. Another advantage is you are able to see the business in operation before investing any of your money. To be a successful franchisee you would have to be the type of person who can accurately stick to someone else’s system, without wanting to make changes. You will be starting your business using someone else’s know-how and expertise gained over years of running a mirror image business therefore you have a system in place that is proven to work. You will however have to manage, promote, market and sell as well as millions of other tasks that have to be done in running small businesses.

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

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

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

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



> FRANCHISING: DENT WIZARD

LEARN WHY EX MILITARY WORK WELL WITH DENT WIZARD VENTURES

Here are a few facts you might be interested to know: • We have one of the LOWEST FRANCHISEE FEES in our industry starting at £19k • We offer one of the LARGEST GEOGRAPHICAL TERRITORIES in our industry • We have NO HIDDEN FEES or minimum stock purchases • Buy our franchise, LEARN A TRADE • We are the WORLD’S LARGEST provider of Paintless Dent Removal Services • We are the FASTEST GROWING commercial smart provider in the UK • We distribute 1000’S OF LEADS across our franchisee network

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

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

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

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

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

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


Are you looking for the

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Help with centre set-up and décor

Who’s ideal for franchising?

Full sales training and induction

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

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

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

Contact one of our franchise experts on:

0333 200 1316

or visit: www.pitman-franchising.com

Paula found success with Pitman Training after leaving the Army

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

Paula Elliot Director, Pitman Training Dover


Supporting children of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who are in need, hardship and distress. Also children who have physical or learning disabilities: helping with special needs education and support, educational need in times of crisis and bereavement (tri-service, Ogden armed forces bursary). The only charity dedicated to supporting children whose parents work, or have worked, for the Naval Service.

Tel: 023 9263 9534 rnchildren@btconnect.com www.rnrmchildrensfund.org.uk Charity Registration - 1075015


Queen Victoria School Raising to Distinction 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

www.qvs.org.uk


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