Building on the success of the Army Elite Skills day at Stephen Longfellow Academy, a visit was arranged by the Careers Department for students to see life at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. Students who had shown an interest in the Army were invited to attend. On the visit students were given an insight into the life of a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College (AFCO) Harrogate.
The student experience started with a presentation by Lieutenant Moran about the AFCO Harrogate. This was followed by a physical tour of the campus, seeing all the facilities from the accommodation, gym, swimming pool, food hall, recreation, assault course and other areas.
After the tour students, completed a weapons handling task as well as trying on Army kit to get a feel of what it would be like to wear in the field. The session concluded with a talk from three current junior soldiers, who engaged and interacted the students answering their questions about life at AFCO Harrogate.
Feedback from students showed the visit has really inspired these students to join the Army as a post 16 option.
- 100% of students who attended said the visit had inspired them to join the Army post 16.
- 80% of students said they enjoyed “All of the visit” and 20% said they most enjoyed the “Armoury workshop” and “Trying on the Kit”.
- 100% of students said they would recommend the visit to other students.
Student comments included:
- “Good insight into Army life” (Year 11 Student)
- “Amazing trip, great to talk with soldiers” (Year 10 student)
- “I want to join” (Year 8)
The Stephen Longfellow Academy will work in partnership with the British Army to promote Careers in the Army.