The Stephen Longfellow Academy P.E. Department worked in partnership with the British Army to link their subject to careers and promote post 16 pathways. The Army outreach team were invited to deliver an Army Elite Skills day on 13 Jan 2023.

Both Key Stage 3 and Key stage 4 students were involved in the day, which included presentations about the Army, followed by practical sessions and workshops. The careers presentations were very informative and students were able to ask questions about different Army jobs and about life in the Army. Furthermore, students gained a taste of Army teamwork and problem solving through a wide range of hands on and confidence building activities that would develop students mental and physical attributes

To evaluate the event a wide range of feedback was taken from students, teaching staff as well as the Army staff who delivered the day. Comments from the Army staff included:

“Students were very active and engaging, students really enjoyed themselves … all school staff were very helpful.”

“Students were great and participated well. Was a good event for all.”

Teacher feedback was very positive.

“I feel that the day was a great success, and a lot of students were actively involved during the sessions and learned a lot about the British Army.” Ms Dundas

Students provided the feedback below.

83% of students said the Army Elite Skills day had increased their knowledge of British Army Careers.

83% of students said the Army Elite Skills Day has made them more aware of what Army life would be like.

100% of students said they had developed at least one of the skills below by participating in the Army Elite Skills day:

  • Teamwork         
  • Confidence        
  • Resilience     
  • Leadership     

92% of students said they would recommend the Army Elite Skills Day to other students.

Overall, the event was a success. The Stephen Longfellow Academy will continue to work with the British Army to link school subjects to real-world careers and to promote the British Army as a viable post 16 and Post 18 option. Currently, the Stephen Longfellow Academy has two of its school leavers who have made a successful transition to the British Army. The Stephen Longfellow Academy are following up this work with the Army by taking 10 students who have a desire to join the Army to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate for a day’s experience on 19 Jan 2023.