The activity was delivered at Leuchars Station following an invitation from the Army to local schools and offered pupils a unique opportunity to experience a real-world working environment outside the classroom. The day was designed to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills while helping young people explore a range of future career pathways. The event also supported Developing the Young Workforce priorities by providing meaningful employer engagement and raising awareness of opportunities available after school.

Partnership Working with the British Army

The event was delivered by personnel from Leuchars Station as part of the British Army’s ongoing outreach and engagement programme with schools across Fife.

Army representatives worked directly with pupils throughout the day, leading activities, facilitating challenges and sharing personal experiences of military life and career progression. Their involvement reflects a commitment to helping young people understand the breadth of opportunities available within the Armed Forces while also highlighting the transferable skills that employers value across many sectors.

Through events like this, the Army aims to inspire young people, showcase modern career pathways and demonstrate the importance of teamwork, resilience, communication and leadership in both military and civilian careers.

Learning Through Challenge

The day was built around a series of practical and interactive activities designed to encourage pupils to work together, solve problems and challenge themselves in new situations.

Learners took part in hands-on team challenges, leadership exercises and physical activities which required collaboration, determination and effective communication. The interactive nature of the programme ensured high levels of engagement and encouraged pupils to step outside their comfort zones while developing confidence in their own abilities.

Alongside the practical activities, pupils had the opportunity to speak directly with Army personnel and learn about careers within areas such as engineering, logistics, communications, healthcare and other specialist roles. This helped broaden awareness of the range of opportunities available within the organisation and demonstrated that the Armed Forces offer a variety of career routes to suit different interests and skillsets.

What Young People Said

Feedback from young people highlighted the positive impact of the experience and the value of taking part in activities that challenged them in a supportive environment.

“The climbing wall really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I felt proud when I reached the top.”

“The wheel change challenge was brilliant – it felt like real teamwork and everyone had a role.”

“I didn’t realise how many different jobs there are in the Army and it’s given me something to think about for the future.”

These comments demonstrate how the event helped learners develop confidence while also increasing awareness of potential future pathways.

Staff Reflections

School staff recognised the benefits of the experience in helping young people develop important employability skills in a real-life setting.

“The event provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to develop confidence, resilience and communication skills in a real-life context.”

The opportunity to engage directly with employers and experience a professional working environment helped bring learning to life and supported pupils in understanding how essential skills can be applied beyond the classroom.

Impact and Outcomes

The Army Ex Leuchars May Challenge provided a highly engaging experience that delivered a number of positive outcomes for participating pupils, including:

• Increased confidence and resilience.
• Development of teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
• Greater awareness of Armed Forces careers and pathways.
• Improved understanding of transferable employability skills.
• Meaningful engagement with employers in a real-world setting.

The success of the event has also led to a strengthened partnership between Glenrothes High School and the British Army. As a direct result of the positive relationships developed through the challenge, plans have been agreed to deliver a Uniformed and Emergency Services Unit during the next academic session, creating even more opportunities for young people interested in these sectors.

Through experiences such as the Army Ex Leuchars May Challenge, pupils are gaining valuable insights into the world of work, developing essential skills and building the confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future careers.