A group of 28 students from Burleigh Community College in Loughborough recently spent four days at St George’s Barracks at Luffenham experiencing all aspects of army life.

The group, which included boys and girls from a range of backgrounds took part in team and confidence building exercises as well as physical training, map reading and drilled marches. The students worked alongside army personnel and enjoyed the discipline and the opportunity to be active outdoors for long periods.

Zoe Birnie, Re-engagement Coordinator at Burleigh Community College said, ‘Initially I thought the students might struggle with the strictness of army life. Over the four days, however, they engaged with all the activities and worked as a team showing huge commitment.’

As well as having the opportunity to participate in activities, the students looked at different sectors such as the Dog Unit, Engineering and Infantry and heard about the Army as a career choice.

Also on the trip was Mike Griffiths, leader of Leicestershire County Council’s EMBRACE project which is located at Burleigh. The project assists newly arrived young asylum seekers as they settle into the education system in the UK. Mike said ‘This was a great experience involving young people from different social and ethnic backgrounds who worked hard and gained respect for each other and the Army. Our thanks go to Sgt Barney Watret and everyone at St George’s Barracks for the effort they made in delivering this programme’

The photo shows the students during an activity.