Who goes there? Campaigners fight to keep military away from UK schools
Britain is the only EU country to enlist 16-year-olds into the armed services and, say objectors, it starts with access to the classroom.
Britain is the only EU country to enlist 16-year-olds into the armed services and, say objectors, it starts with access to the classroom.
It’s just after 9.30am and a group of year 9 pupils are flinging themselves across a 30m inflatable assault course installed on a playing field at Marlborough science academy in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
“Come on, push through, be positive!” shout the army personnel in charge, as pupils leap on to the military version of a bouncy castle. They are being timed: at 17 seconds from start to finish, Lorna Norris, 14, is the fastest girl. She looks pleased as she and the rest of the group head over to the next set of “command tasks”, aimed at testing their leadership, teamwork and planning skills.
Marlborough science academy is one of thousands of UK schools to invite in the military. Today, as part of an Insight Into Industry event, the army and other organisations – including the fire and rescue service, Marks & Spencer, and Hertfordshire University – are giving students an insider’s view of their work.… Read more