The Royal Caledonian Education Trust - Est1815

News

05 May 2016

New Early Years Project Launched

New resource for Schools across Scotland launched at Leuchars Army Base

Scotland’s Armed Forces children’s charity, the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET) is launching a new set of resources for young children as part of its education support in Scotland.

The project is being funded thanks to a £3,000 donation by St Andrews based charity, The New Park Educational Trust (NPET). The donation has facilitated the purchase of eight resource boxes equipped with books, toys and games to help young children from Armed Forces communities cope with feelings of loss and anxiety during times of separation. The resources also include items that will help encourage friendship skills, and promote taking pride in our Armed Forces.

The early years resources, which were unveiled at an event at Leuchars Community Centre yesterday [4^th May], will be distributed to local authorities across Scotland for loan to schools and communities including Fife, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Moray, Argyll & Bute, and the Highlands.

RCET Education Manager Moira Leslie said “Through our work with schools we realised that there was a need for more support for younger children who have a parent in the Armed Forces. This pilot project, if successful, will be rolled out to all 32 regions in Scotland. We are incredibly thankful to the NPET Trustees for their support”.

Col. Martin Passmore, Chairman of the NPET said “The New Park Educational Trust is delighted to be able to support the RCET initiative to enhance early years resources.Such an important project could make a significant difference to a number young people and the New Park Educational Trust congratulates the RCET on all the really good work that it is doing”.

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Foulkes 71 Engineer Regiment said “We are delighted to work with the Royal Caledonian Education Trust to access these materials at Leuchars Station. Our community members will be provided with resources to support the youngest members of Armed Forces families. We have great working relationships with nurseries, schools and other community groups in the area and these resources can only serve to enhance these partnerships. We are grateful to the Royal Caledonian Education Trust for this opportunity."

If your school or community group would benefit from accessing these materials please contact the RCET t. 0131 240 2224.

19 April 2016

We've moved!

From April 2016 our Head Office is in Edinburgh!

As of Wednesday 19 April the RCET will no longer have our head office within the SSAFA building in London.

If you need to contact the RCET please email [email protected] or call our Edinburgh office at 0131 240 2224.

Write to us at:

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust

121 George Street

Edinburgh

EH2 4YN

03 February 2016

RCET seeks new Chief Executive in Scotland

This is a unique opportunity to inspire and take forward our vision for the future.

The RCET has been in existence as a London Scottish charity established by the Duke of Wellington and others since 1815.

We are now moving to Scotland with new headquarters in Edinburgh. This is, therefore, a unique opportunity to inspire and take forward our vision for the future.

The successful candidate should bring an ability and commitment to lead the professional team into the next stage of our development so the Trust can continue to make a difference to the life chances of children across Scotland and beyond.

If you believe you are our ideal candidate we would be delighted to hear from you. For the full application pack please follow this link.

Malcolm Noble

RCET Chairman

22 January 2016

RCET attends The Patron’s Lunch

The country’s largest ever classic British street party is to celebrate our Queen's 90th

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust and its representatives will be among 10,000 people expected to attend a giant street party on the Mall on 12th June 2016 to celebrate The Queen ’s lifelong patronage of over 600 charities and organisations on the occasion of her 90th Birthday.

The Patron’s Lunch is taking place on the historic Mall in London in what is expected to be the country’s largest ever classic British street party, to honour the dedication shown by Her Majesty to so many charities and organisations throughout the UK and Commonwealth during her 63 year reign.

Guests will enjoy a hamper-style lunch at tables positioned along the full length of the Mall and organisers are promising a carnival atmosphere and live entertainment that will parade from The Mall, down Birdcage Walk and around St. James’s Park.

Her Majesty The Queen will be joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, and other members of the Royal family to celebrate the occasion.

The not-for-profit event will also raise money for a newly created Patron’s Fund, which will support the charitable organisations within the UK and across the Commonwealth to which Her Majesty The Queen is a Patron.

The Patron’s Lunch will look to re-ignite the famous British ‘community spirit’ and have villages, towns and cities all over the UK and across the Commonwealth to hold their own street parties. It is hoped these local ‘Patron’s Lunches’ will help raise money for their own communities and local initiatives.

If you would like to hold your own street party and fundraise for the RCET in celebration of the Queen's birthday, please contact the RCET fundraising manager Matthew Middler, for more information on tel 07985 374 665 or email: [email protected]

07 October 2015

RCET Practitioners Conference outcomes

Over 100 education and military professionals came together to hear from a wide range of speakers

Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson, Air Officer Scotland

• New employment model which dealt with terms of service, future accommodation, training and education.
• RAF full base in Scotland, 3 Naval bases, 5 Army bases.

Matt Blyton, North Yorkshire County Council

• Anxieties of parents who have never lived in the UK.
• Multi-disciplinary response to meeting the needs of Armed Forces children.
• Value of the drama production in providing a forum for exploring and discussing these challenges.
• Problems in England with funding based on a Census date.

Keynote speaker: John Carnochan

• Whole life effect of adverse childhood experiences.
• Drivers: societal, community, relationships, individual.
• Absent fathers are a critical issue for children’s wellbeing.
• Imperative: those affected by actions must be involved in the process.

Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages

• Provided his response to the Government’s education strategy for children from Armed Forces families.
• Gave his response on the role of parents and families in helping to close the attainment gap for youngsters of Armed Forces families.
• How the Scottish Government will ensure that youngsters from Armed Forces families will not be disadvantaged if they move to Scotland at the start of the school year.
• Recognised and applauded the collaborations in the Armed Forces community in Scotland and the work of the RCET.

The Cadets

• The value of the cadet experience.
• The importance of achievement in its widest sense and equipping youngsters with skills for life.

The Very Rev. John Chalmers

• The importance of partnerships and networking - lots of good work taking place but how we join up thinking.
• The growing importance of the Reserves and the implications for families.

Moira Leslie, Education Manager, RCET

• Consolidating partnership working - no one partner can do this on their own - we need to work together.
• We owe it to children and young people to listen to their voices, to train staff and get appropriate support in place.
• We are a listening charity – come and talk to us.

Evelyn Cook, RCET PHD Researcher, Stirling University

• We embarked on this research to fill the research gap and to respond to the needs of educational establishments across Scotland in respect to strategies and interventions.
• Using innovative research methods to listen to and gather children’s voices: notions of being an armed forces pupil; different methods different perspectives; suite of qualitative methods; involving pupils; question how aspects of being an armed forces pupil emerge and transform across different experiences.
• Findings due : 2017

Col. Clive Knightley, MOD DCYP

• Maintaining & strengthening partnerships.
• Achieving more with less.

James MacBain, Chief Executive, RCET
Given the move of the Trust’s London office to Edinburgh by April 2016, the future work of the Trust in Scotland will include:

• Increasing geographic spread of the Education Programme within Scotland addressing educational needs of Regulars, Reserves and Veterans children
• Sharing of experience and RCET resources developed in Scotland with other education systems in the UK
• Developing engagement in policy matters regarding the education of Armed Forces children at school in Scotland
• Greater focus on relevant research in support of the education of Armed Forces children at school in Scotland
• A fundamental review of and refocus in the way the Trust makes educational grants to qualifying offspring of current and former Scottish Armed Forces personnel.

Matthew Middler

01 October 2015

‘Forces Kids’ play comes to Scottish schools

Specially commissioned theatre production takes to the road with a grand tour of Scottish schools.

Earlier this month 30 schools across Scotland were treated to a fantastic live theatre performance of ‘Forces Kids’ which follows the story of Kevin, whose Dad is serving in the Armed Forces.

Kevin’s dad is a marine and has been deployed. Kevin misses him terribly and also has to face the challenges of taking on extra responsibilities at home, while still adjusting to life at a new school. The play is about how Kevin learns to cope with fear, loss and bullying in order to find hope, self-confidence, trust and friendship.

The 30 Scottish schools saw the play free of charge thanks to Scottish Armed Forces charity, the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET).

The RCET commissioned the production in celebration of its bicentenary and 200 years of providing education support for children of Scottish serving and veteran families in need.

As well as helping the educational needs of children of Armed Forces families on low incomes or living with disability and ill health, the RCET also has a very active education programme in Scotland. The charity provide vital resources and training to help education professionals and organisations recognise and support children and young people experiencing difficulties in school - particularly in the lead up to and during deployment.

To raise awareness of the issues, the RCET commissioned Glasgow-based Hopscotch Theatre Company who has been producing theatre in education shows for over 25 years. By the end of the tour 4,200 pupils will have had the opportunity to see ‘Forces Kids’ and thanks to an online resource pack for P2-P4, many pupils will be exploring their own journey as a ‘Forces Kids’ by taking part in additional classroom activities, lesson plans and discussions about the issues highlighted in the play.

Explaining more, RCET Education Manager, Moira Leslie says “We know that some children who are separated from their parent during deployment can struggle to come to terms with their feelings and emotions and this can have an impact on how they behave and perform in school. Following the huge success of our DVD ‘Forces Kids –This is My Life’ we decided to help younger ones, mainly P2-4s address these issues through theatre. RCET approached Hopscotch and together we have been working on a brand new performance called ‘Forces Kids' in conjunction with Hopscotch who are masters of theatre in schools.”

RCET chief executive James MacBain added, “Service personnel can be deployed for as many as 200 nights per year. For their children, this can create anxiety and uncertainty. Adjusting to new communities, new schools, as well as living with the day-to-day reality of deployment, can prove particularly challenging for some children and potentially become a barrier to their learning. The play highlights that, in hard times, we have a responsibility to listen to and support each other, in the name of emotional wellbeing.”

Matthew Middler

18 June 2015

MBE for Forces children's champion

Scottish Armed Forces champion is awarded MBE in the Queens honours list 2015

Royal Caledonian Education Trust education programme advisor Mrs Carolyn MacLeod is among the extraordinary people in the UK to be recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Former teacher, Mrs Carolyn MacLeod joined the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET) in 2008 to spearhead the Trust’s Education Programme in Scotland. The Trust’s education programme provides advice, educational resources, and training to help professionals recognise and support children and young people who are struggling to cope in school. Research collaborations and partnerships between the RCET and Armed Forces communities, education professionals and other military charities are also a large part of the charity’s work in Scotland.

“Carolyn is an inspirational colleague who gives so much to supporting the educational needs of Armed Forces children in Scotland…”

James McBain, RCET Chief Executive

As a result of her knowledge and breadth of experience in this area, Carolyn MacLeod was invited in 2012 to take up a secondment as National Transitions Officer for the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) with responsibility for creating a blueprint for education policy affecting the movement of Forces children in, out and within Scotland. She remains seconded to ADES and continues her role as advisor to the RCET’s education programme.

Carolyn MacLeod said, “I am surprised and absolutely thrilled to receive this award. I am delighted that the needs of Armed Forces Children have also been recognised with this award. Our education programme in Scotland has achieved so much thanks to the dedication and support of lots of people and they are very much a part of what this award means to me.”

RCET Chief Executive, James MacBain said “Carolyn is an inspirational colleague who gives so much to supporting the educational needs of Armed Forces children in Scotland as well as to the work of the Trust and ADES. It is tremendous that her incredible contribution has been recognised in this way.”

RCET Chairman, Malcolm Noble said “We are all very proud of Carolyn and as the Trust celebrates its bicentenary this month, it couldn’t be a more fitting occasion for such a prestigious award.”

Jen Nash

15 June 2015

200th Anniversary Dinner

Event showcases enthralling history of RCET

It was with much to celebrate that the RCET took centre stage at a dinner held at the prestigious Caledonian Club in Belgavia in London on 19 March. The dinner was generously hosted and supported by the Caledonian Society of London, in recognition the Trust’s Bicentenary.

The Society was formed in 1837 and is dedicated to the support of its two chosen charities, the RCET and Scots Care, with funds raised at its dinners going towards the two charities. It was an exceptional evening and more than 90 Society members and guests were present at the black tie event, including many RCET supporters and guardians.

The keynote speaker was TV presenter and broadcaster, record breaking round the world cyclist and ultra endurance adventurer Mark Beaumont. Mark entertained and enthralled everyone with tales of his adventures, which started when he decided to cycle across Scotland aged 11.

They continued with him breaking the world record for cycling round the world, and his attempts to conquer some of the most unforgiving corners of the globe. He described the events which led to the boat he was in being capsizing 28 days into a 30-day record-breaking attempt to row across the Atlantic. A guest remarked on the fact you could hear a pin drop as he gravely recalled how the crew faced the fight of their lives before a Taiwanese cargo vessel managed to reach them and conduct a dangerous night-time rescue.

Sohpie Ramsay, a successful singer and songwriter who is also from Perthshire, performed an enchanting musical set and piper Alastair Campbell received a huge show of appreciation for his Strathspey and traditional piping set.

The pinnacle of the evening was an address by the RCET’s Chairman, Malcolm Noble. With the conviction and perfect sense of timing of an accomplished storyteller, Malcolm captivated the room with a whistle-stop tour of the history of the Trust, starting with its formation in 1815 working up to the present day.

He explained how the Asylum, as it was then known, came into existence, the move to a purpose-built establishment at Bushey, how the institution survived two World Wars, and managed to find a place in the changed circumstances of state provision of education in the Victorian period and post years.

Commenting on the Trust’s more recent achievements, Malcolm said: “The key to the Trust’s survival has been a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining its Scottish ethos and this continues to be valued by supporters and beneficiaries alike.”

The history of the Trust is presented in a special commemorative Bicentenary publication that was also unveiled on the night. Written by Malcolm Noble, it is titled: A National Institution of the Scottish Nation, A retrospective: 1815 – 2015, and documents the history of the Trust.

The 48-page publication contains a special celebratory message from the Trust’s patron, Her Majesty the Queen, as well as illustrations, photographs and anecdotes.

Highlights from the publication are featured in this issue of Caledonian Postings. To receive your free copy, please get in touch. Please note a small donation to cover postage and packaging may apply.

15 June 2015

Celebrating our Bicentenary Year

A special publication marks the 200 years of the charity

To find out more, to support the work of the Trust or to receive a copy of the publication, please email [email protected] or call 0131 240 2224.

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET), originally known as the Caledonian Asylum, was founded on 14 June 1815 by the Royal assent of King George III. For over its 200 years, the charity has benefited from considerable support of: the Royal Family; persons of nobility; senior ranking military leaders; former prime ministers; and many prominent Scots took a keen interest in the Royal Caledonian Schools.

To coincide with this special bicentenary year of the Trust, the RCET has produced a publication titled ‘A National Institution of the Scottish Nation A Retrospective: 1815 – 2015,’ which documents the history of the Trust. Compiled and written by the Trust’s Chairman, Malcolm Noble, he describes how subscriptions were opened in every parish across Scotland to help fund a school to look after the sons and daughters of Scots who were serving or had fallen in battle.

Actual events dictated the Asylum was located in London rather than Edinburgh as planned, but it became very much an Institution of the Scottish nation where Scottish traditions were observed and taught. A feature in the Scotsman newspaper published on 1 December 1933 stated: “In no other schools in England is Scottish dress always worn and the sound of pipes the familiar music of the day.”

The 48-page retrospective features anecdotes, illustrations and photography, which tells the story of how the charity endured two world wars, evolved and adapted to events of the time and continues to support Armed Forces children and young people to the present day.

There is also a special congratulatory message from the charity’s patron, Her Majesty The Queen, in recognition of the Trust’s bicentenary, which says: “We owe a great debt of gratitude to Scots who have protected and served this country as members of our Armed Forces. The Royal Caledonian Education Trust continues to support its sons and daughters in making the most of the opportunities open to them throughout their education. As your Patron, I recognise that the work of the Trust is as important today as it was when founded 200 years ago. I send my very best wishes on this bicentenary.”

In 1996, the Royal Caledonian Schools closed due to continuing decline in demand for places. However, the RCET continues to fulfil the aims of the original charter by providing education support for children of Scottish serving and veteran families in need. Last year the RCET dispersed in excess of 250 grants to cover the cost of clothing, after-school activities, school trips, and other expenses to families on low incomes or living with disability and ill health.

As well as providing grants to Armed Forces families and signposting to other service charities, the RCET also has a very active education programme in Scotland which provides educational resources and training for professionals and organisations in Scotland to help them recognise and support children and young people experiencing difficulties in school – particularly in the lead up to, and during, deployment. As well as promoting good practice and professional development, the RCET invests in research, conferences and many other collaborations to support Armed Forces children and young people.

The RCET is organising and attending a number of events across Scotland during its bicentenary year to raise awareness of the support the charity provides to Armed Forces children and young people. On reaching the milestone, RCET Chairman, Malcolm Noble said: “It’s an incredible achievement to have succeeded in meeting educational needs of Armed Forces children as they have changed over 200 years. We started as a London charity, we extended our activities north of the border early in the present century and the time has now come to relocate to Edinburgh. This will enable us to work more effectively with schools, military communities and local authorities in every part of Scotland. The Trust couldn’t have survived 200 years without the loyalty of its supporters and as we move forward that need has never been greater.”

To find out more, to support the work of the Trust or to receive a copy of the publication, please email [email protected] or call 0131 240 2224.

20 May 2015

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo supports the RCET

£2000 donation from cultural institution

The RCET is delighted to receive a £2000 donation from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Each year the Tattoo makes a generous contribution to Service charities. These donations help serving and ex-service personnel and their dependents affected by disabilities, stress, sickness, unemployment, homelessness, infirmity and poverty. In recent years, the not-for-profit organisation has gifted more than £5 million to charitable arts and service benevolent organisations.

Set against the splendor of Edinburgh Castle, the Tattoo has delighted audiences for decades. More than 14 million people have attended the Tattoo and around 100 million people watch it each year on television. With close to 1,200 performers from five continents, this year’s Tattoo has a colourful ‘East Meets West’ theme with one of the largest multi-national and multi-cultural casts ever assembled on the Castle Esplanade.

27 February 2015

Artistic donation

Local artist donates painting in support of Scottish armed forces children

A local artist and his wife from Dunblane, outside Stirling, are donating the proceeds from the sale of an original painting to raise money to the Royal Caledonian Education Trust.

The painting, titled ‘Dandelion Moonwalk’ is being gifted by the Scottish artist and poet Jeremy Wyatt to appear in the forthcoming exhibition at the Arthouse Gallery, MacRobert Arts Centre in Stirling, which runs from 1-28 March 2015.

The RCET supports the education needs of children of Scottish serving men and women, and veterans. Many of the families we support are struggling to make ends meet or experiencing difficulties at home or ill health following active service.

Many thousands more are helped indirectly through the Trust’s education programme in schools to raise awareness of the challenges armed forces children face, particularly in the lead up to and during deployment.

Lucia Wyatt, who is herself an artist, said: “I heard about the RCET’s research collaboration with the University of Stirling to examine how deployment and mobility affected armed forces children. I spoke with Jeremy and we thought if we can help raise awareness of the Trust’s work by gifting one of his Dandelion Moonscapes then that is what we would do.”

“The haunting Moonscape series,” said Ms Wyatt “depicts the dandelion seeds lit up by the moon”. By coincidence, the dandelion has become the symbol for Forces kids internationally and often features with the verse: “Its seeds are scattered by the wind and it puts down its roots anywhere” – reflecting the frequent moves that are part of armed forces life.

Ms Wyatt added: “For me, The Dandelion Moonscape portrays this sense that wherever we land, we can take strength from those around us. I believe we are here for each other and I hope that by donating this painting we will inspire others to get involved with the RCET and support Armed Forces children in their community.”

Speaking on behalf of the RCET, fundraising manager Matthew Middler said: “This is a wonderful act of kindness and generosity from Jeremy and Lucia. Each year we allocate more than 250 grants to families in need. These help pay for clothing, after-school activities and other educational essentials. The funds raised from the sale of this painting will therefore provide a lifeline for one or several armed service families.”

The Dandelion Moonwalk will feature at the Arthouse Gallery at the MacRobert Arts Centre in Stirling between 1-28 March. All proceeds from the sale of the painting will go to the Royal Caledonian Education Trust.

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.macrobert.org or call the box office on 01786 466666.

13 February 2015

Practitioner's Conference 2015

RCET Practitioner’s Conference, ‘Consolidating Change in Communities’ Tuesday 6 October 2015

Conference Aims

• To better understand the challenges facing children and young people from Armed Forces families in Scotland 

• To share and promote good practice in meeting the needs of Armed Forces children and young people in Scotland 

• To highlight existing and develop new partnerships to support children and young people from Armed Forces families in Scotland 


“This conference targets, engages and challenges those working with and supporting families; educational practitioners, education support agencies, military representatives, community organisations, third sector partners involved with or interested in the educational needs of Armed Forces Children in Scotland.” 
Robert Hair, Head Teacher, Kinloss Primary and Nursery School, Moray, and Co-ordinator of an MOD-funded Project.

About the Keynote speaker

John was a Detective Chief Superintendent with Strathclyde Police
and co-founder of the Violence Reduction Unit. Its tenet is “violence is preventable, not inevitable”. He is a passionate advocate of early years, collaboration, prevention and parenting support.

About the Conference

RCET Practitioner’s Conference, ‘Consolidating Change in Communities’
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2015
Time: 08:45 – 16:45

This will be an interactive and engaging day with a fantastic line up of speakers and lots of opportunities to hear best practice and benefit from tables exercises and facilitated table discussions.

Buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day are provided.

A full conference programme will be available shortly. Please keep checking here for details.

The Conference is free to attend but hurry places are limited!

To register please email [email protected] stating the names of those attending, titles, organisations, contact details and any special dietary requirements. You will receive a confirmation email to confirm your registration with us.

30 June 2014

Film-Maker Turns Teacher After Making DVD with Armed Forces Children

A change of career for film-maker Sam Forsyth

A film-maker has swopped his camera for the blackboard after being inspired to become a teacher while making a movie with Armed Forces children.
Sam Forsyth, 42, decided to change careers following the making of the Royal Caledonian Education Trust commissioned short film, ‘Forces Kids - This is My Life’
The 26 minute film, titled ‘Forces Kids –This is My Life’ features the real life experiences of over 30 primary and secondary school children in Scotland who have a parent or family members serving in the Armed Forces.
Mr Forsyth visited 6 schools in Scotland in the summer of 2012 capturing the emotional highs and lows military children experience when a parent is deployed to combat zones. The film covers how the children deal with separation and loss, the support military children give each other, and coping mechanisms such as talking over concerns with friends, family and teachers.
The experience proved to be life changing for Sam who, following the film, decided to enroll on a year-long post-graduate teaching diploma at Durham University last year. He has just completed a two-week placement with the RCET to see what impact the film has had in schools across Scotland and to meet Armed Forces communities in Inverness to develop his understanding of the issues that affect military children in the classroom.
The film has also inspired some children to create their own short films and poetry and during the fortnight the film-maker turned teacher was able to see first hand how the film has inspired young Armed Forces children at St Mark’s Primary school as well as other schools in Scotland.
Commenting he said: “It has been very interesting seeing how the film has been used in schools that have a mix of Forces children and children from civilian families as the children from civilian families are now very aware of some of the emotional complexity that is going on in their friends’ families and lives, and it’s been very interesting getting their reflections.”
Mr Forsyth, who lives in Teesdale in north-east England, will start work at Polam Hall Junior School in Darlington on June 19, the day after he graduates.

30 June 2014

Mosstowie Primary School Donation

Pupils at Mosstowie Primary School donate £300 to the RCET

Pupils at Mosstowie Primary School in Morayshire have raised a whopping £300 for the Royal Caledonian Education Trust following a collection that was held at a recent musical drama performed by pupils at the school.

Set during World War 1 and also in the present day, the script and songs for the hour-long show were based on research the pupils had carried out on the 17 men named on the Miltonduff War Memorial.

The show was created after pupils discovered that one of the soldiers, Edward Grigor Scott was born at Mosstowie Schoolhouse in 1894. Edward, an apprentice watchmaker, volunteered on the very first day of the war and was killed on active duty in France in 1918. He was 23 years old.

The pupils discovered a great deal of interesting facts about all of the soldiers and news of their research created a lot of interest in the local community. Several local people came forward with further information, which the children used in their show. Local historians also shared information and checked the pupils’ research.

The lyrics for most of the songs in the show were written by the children and everything was based on facts and real people of the time. They put on a rousing performance to a packed hall that night and a collection raised a whopping £300, which the pupils have very generously donated to the RCET.

Our huge thanks to all the pupils and staff at Mosstowie Primary School and everyone who attended and made a contribution that evening. Your generosity and kindness will make a considerable difference to Armed Forces children and families who so desperately need our support.

06 May 2014

RCET and Poppyscotland

RCET receive a donation from Poppyscotland

Wednesday 30 April 2014 - A leading charity that supports Scottish Armed Forces children is receiving a donation today from Poppyscotland raising the total amount donated by the veteran’s charity to £50,000.

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET) provide over 300 individual grants a year to help children living with Armed Forces families in Scotland experiencing financial hardship or affected by illness or disability following active service.

Today’s cash boost from Poppyscotland brings the total they have donated to the RCET since 2007 to £50,000. The monies will be used to help the RCET provide grants to pay for school clothing, books, computers, as well as support with after-school activities such as swimming and football, for children of serving men and women as well as veterans, who have difficulty or are unable to fund these themselves.

Speaking at Poppyscotland’s Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh where charity staff and directors met Armed Forces veterans with disabilities employed at the factory, RCET chief executive James MacBain said: “There are exceptions, but many of the families we support are struggling to make ends meet; some are living with PTSD, disability or other health problems, leaving family members unable to work.

“Thanks to Poppyscotland and others we are able to help make a considerable difference to the children and young people who need our support and for this we are extremely grateful. The sad fact is however demand for our support is growing and we desperately need more funds to resource these requests and the potential increase that may arise as a consequence of the long term effects of operational deployments in Afghanistan or other areas.”

One family whose circumstances have been dramatically changed as a result of the joint support provided Poppyscotland and the RCET is Army veteran, John and his family.

John was not yet 20 when he was severely injured by a road side bomb which cut short his army career leaving him with multiple injuries and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

John said: “There wasn’t a lot on offer for young boys my age where I lived. Many were being offered apprenticeships but there weren’t any jobs available so I signed up for the Army at my local recruiting office. I was 15 at the time, a boy solider. On completion of my training I joined a Battalion in Germany as a Fusilier and spent the next 2-3 years on exercise. During my time off I did lots of travelling, saw Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, and lots of other places.

“Then I got posted to Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles and everything changed. Following the attack, I spent a long time in hospital learning how to use my hands, how to hold a knife and fork, learning how to walk. It was also the end of my Army career.”

John moved back to Scotland and he now lives with his wife who is also John’s full-time carer. They have two children in their teens who, due to the family circumstances, receive grants from the RCET for essential extras that help with their education and overall wellbeing.

Commenting John said: “The RCET has been a lifeline of support to them and to all of us. Both my kids receive a grant from the RCET to help pay for shoes. My daughter likes ice-skating and my son plays football so the money also help pay for these activities, which otherwise wouldn’t be possible. I honestly don?t know what we would have done without the RCET. The job they are doing for families like ourselves is incredible.”

Two or three times a year John attends Hollybush House, a residential support centre in Ayr run by veteran mental health charity, Combat Stress. The residential centre provides treatment and support for veterans suffering with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. John said: “During my visits, I make poppies to help raise money for Poppyscotland. I’ve made around 2,900 poppies to date, not just plain ones, and all different ones. I’ve got one good hand and it means I can give something back and help other Armed Forces families in similar situations.”

Commenting, Poppyscotland Chief Executive Ian McGregor said: “The support we provide, in both large and small ways, together with RCET and other Armed Forces charities, makes a hugely positive impact. Poppyscotland needs to raise money all year round to continue to deliver our vital services and we are very grateful for the support we receive which really does make a difference to the lives of veterans, and their families, in Scotland.”

11 April 2014

New Collaboration Set to Improve Education Provision for Armed Forces Children

A new collaboration between RCET and the University of Stirling

Ground-Breaking Collaboration to Improve Education Provision for Armed Forces Children in Scotland

A new collaboration between the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET) and the University of Stirling will improve educational support for Armed Forces children.

The RCET and the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science are jointly funding a post-graduate studentship at the University of Stirling. Believed to be the first research of its type to be undertaken in the UK, the study will address the current lack of understanding about the ways in which children of Armed Forces families experience school.

The research will also identify successful school procedures and targeted interventions that can support pupils, particularly during heightened periods of stress such as the deployment of a parent to a conflict zone.

Dr Christine Stephen, School of Education, University of Stirling said:
“This is an under-researched area largely dominated by studies in the US which focus on the impact of stress on the educational attainment and behaviour of children from military families.

“Teachers in the UK currently have little or no evidence to guide their endeavours to offer children from Armed Forces families an educational environment that is sensitive to their needs.”

The RCET, which also provides grants to those in need, says the research will play a pivotal role in its future work to assist schools improve the support they offer to children from Scottish Armed Forces families.

The RCET Education Programme Officer Moira Leslie said: “We know that Armed Forces children who experience frequent moving of home, schools and communities may not perform as well in school as non-mobile Armed Forces children.

“We also have lots of anecdotal evidence to support the view that the stresses of an absent parent to a conflict zone for some children causes anxieties that can influence their learning and behaviour.”

She added: “However we need empirical evidence that will bridge the gaps in our knowledge and provide a compelling case for embracing learning techniques, direct intervention programmes and teacher guidance that will make a difference in schools.”

The research will focus on capturing and analysing children’s perspectives of their educational experiences, using face to face data collection and the use of digital media such as video diaries.

For further details about the studentship and information about submitting an application see www.stir.ac.uk/education/research/studentships/

Ends

09 April 2014

Caley Scholar to Perform in World Premiere of Hansel & Gretal

Natasha Watson tours with Scottish Ballet

A young aspiring Caley scholar from Falkirk is performing with the Scottish Ballet in a world premiere tour of Hansel and Gretel.

17-year-old Natasha Watson was offered the place in the Scottish Ballet winter season after winning a bronze medal at the Genée International Ballet Competition in September 2013. Natasha, who is also a Scottish BAFTA nominated actress, was the only Scottish candidate to make it to the finals of the competition, which attracted over seventy competitors from around the world.

The talented dancer is the youngest to tour with the Scottish Ballet in Hansel and Gretel, and has been training in ballet since she was just three years old.

The young star is currently in her first year at Ballet West in Taynuilt, where she is training full-time in classical ballet. Natasha’s father was a submariner in the Royal Navy for 32 years based in Helensburgh. Sadly he passed away three years ago and Natasha receives funding from the Royal Caledonian Education Trust to help with the living costs of studying away from home,

Commenting Natasha said: “Without funding from the RCET I am not sure I would have been able to continue my studies. The Trust has been incredibly supportive. Pointe shoes are the tools of my trade! They are also very expensive. Whilst rehearsing for Swan Lake with Ballet West I use a pair per day and when performing the ballet on stage I use two pairs per show! It is a struggle to meet the cost of shoes but without them I would not be able to follow my dream of becoming a classical ballerina.”

RCET chief executive James MacBain said, “Natasha has shown determination, great courage and dedication to pursue her career as a ballerina and we are delighted and enormously proud to see the success she is achieving.”

09 October 2013

A LifeLine of Support

Practitioners Gather in Edinburgh to Discuss Educational Needs of Forces Children

Educational professionals, military, local authority and third sector representatives from throughout Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this month to discuss the educational needs of Forces Children in Scotland.

Over 120 delegates attended the RCET annual Practitioners Conference, which was held in Dynamic Earth on 2nd October 2013.

…there has never been a greater need to focus on the educational needs of Forces Children…

Major General Nick Eeles, General Officer Commanding Scotland and Governor of Edinburgh Castle opened the Conference proceedings with an overview of the changing military scene in Scotland, highlighting the issues and priorities going forward.

Moira Leslie, RCET Education Programme Officer highlighted the effects of deployment in the learning environment; the emotional rollercoaster that some Forces Children experience and provided practical strategies to help deal with the effects of deployment and mobility.

The Trust was especially pleased to welcome our Keynote Speaker this year, Sir Andrew Cubie CBE, FRSE Chair of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership. Sir Andrew gave a fresh perspective on how educational practitioners might prepare Scottish learners for the challenges and opportunities they will face in the future.

Delegates also heard from Carolyn MacLeod, National Transitions Officer, Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) on how best they can support the educational transitions of Forces Children moving within, as well as in and out of Scotland.

Commenting on the outcomes for the day, Malcolm Noble, RCET chairman said: “With the withdrawal of troops from Germany and the movement of children in/out of and within the Scottish education system, there has never been a greater need to focus on the educational needs of Forces Children.

He continued: “The aim of the Conference is to equip practitioners with the skills to improve support for Armed Forces children and families facing deployment or potential moves, and to encourage good practice during transition between schools and education systems within the UK.”

Anyone interested in finding out more can call us on 020 7463 9232 or email \[email protected]\

16 May 2013

RCET Annual Conference, 2nd October 2013

Reserve your place or enquire here

RCET – 2013 Practitioners’ Conference
Dynamic Earth Edinburgh
Wednesday 2nd October 2013

‘The Dandelion has become the symbol for forces kids internationally. Its seeds are scattered by the winds and it puts down roots anywhere.’

The aims of this conference are to:

• Improve support for Armed Forces Children and families facing deployment to war zones by empowering practitioners;
• Promote good practice on mitigating the effects of mobility for Armed Forces Children and young people;
• Co-ordinate action towards meeting the learning needs of Armed Forces Children and young people in Scotland.

The Conference is free to attend and is aimed at educational practitioners and education support agencies involved with or interested in looking after the educational needs of Armed Forces Children in Scotland.

If you are interested in reserving a place or finding out more please contact our marketing manager by emailing [email protected] or telephoning 0141 589 0514.

Please see Newsletter Downloads where a copy of the 2013 Conference Programme is available to download.

10 May 2013

Raigmore Primary pupils given rare insight into the lives of Armed Forces children

Raigmore Primary School pupils view 'Forces Kids - This is My Life'

Issued on behalf of the Royal Caledonian Education Trust by Panache Communications.

Pupils at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness were given a rare insight into the lives of children of Armed Forces personnel yesterday (8 May) with the opportunity to view a short film by the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET), featuring the real life experiences and feelings of young people when a member of their family is deployed to a combat zone.

The 27 minute short film titled ‘Forces Kids – This is My Life’ was commissioned by the RCET to raise awareness of what Armed Forces children and young people may experience during deployment and reveals the enormous encouragement they give one another during such times.

Over 30 children from 8 schools across Scotland took part in the filming, sharing in their own words, their feelings about deployment and how they cope. The film was launched in Edinburgh in November 2012 by the RCET, a charity which has supported the education of the children of current and former Scottish Armed Forces personnel for nearly 200 years.

Former Raigmore Head Teacher, Moira Leslie, who is currently working as Education Programme Officer for the RCET, returned to Raigmore Primary school yesterday to share the DVD with P5-P7 pupils yesterday. She said, “The film highlights the need to promote discussion and understanding of the issues that Armed Forces children face, especially during potentially traumatic times like deployment. Staff from over 23 schools in Highland have had an RCET supported showing of the film. The RCET is now working with some of those schools using teaching resources from the Trust to help develop Emotional Literacy and Active Listening strategies.”

Current Head Teacher of Raigmore Primary School, Fiona Shearer said: “We have already shared the DVD with staff as well as parents and it is a very powerful and moving piece of film. This is something we would like to share with all parents in our school community, not just those in Service families, as the DVD and supporting materials can be used to support all children in our school community.”

Councillor Carolyn Caddick, Highland Council’s Armed Forces and Veteran\‘s Champion welcomed the viewing of the DVD. She said: “This is an excellent way in which we can help our young people, families and those close to them cope when loved ones are called to serve in combat zones and is welcome. The DVD raises awareness of the issues and anxieties involved for all those concerned and I would urge anyone to view it whether they have Forces connections or not.\”

27 November 2012

The Moderator

Visit to London

The Moderator, The Right Reverend Albert Bogle, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and Mrs Martha Bogle spent an evening with representatives of the RCET at The Caledonian Club on 27 November 2012 at the start of the annual Moderator’s visit to London. The RCET took the opportunity to show its recent film “Force Kids – This is My Life” to the Moderator and Mrs Bogle and to have an interesting and engaged discussion about the film and the issues of deployment and the support of armed forces children during their education.

At the same event, Skye MacLeod an ex-Caley scholar, who had spent 2012 as the volunteer Film Project Coordinator for the RCET, gave an introduction to the film and was presented with a token of gratitude for her commitment and hard work to the project by Mr Malcolm Noble, Chairman of the Trust.

15 November 2012

Forces Kids - This is My Life

Film Launch

The Trust had its first film launch on 15 November 2012 at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. The film was specially commissioned by the Trust and was produced by Teeny Tiny Films. In May 2012 Trust staff and Teeny Tiny Films visited six schools in Scotland, each school having a number of armed forces children enrolled.

Children at each school were filmed talking about how they cope with the deployment of a parent, currently to Afghanistan. The finished film was shown to a large invited audience at Dynamic Earth and the children who appeared in the film were able to attend and given the red carpet treatment expected by film stars! Feedback on the day and subsequently has been very positive and the RCET has developed a resource pack to go with the film and appointed Moira Leslie, a very experienced retired Headteacher, to introduce the film and the resource materials in a rolling programme at schools across Scotland where there are armed forces children enrolled.

25 October 2012

Moderator’s Visit

Moderator's Visit to Colinton School

The Right Reverend Albert Bogle, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and Mrs Martha Bogle visited Colinton Primary School on 25 October 2012 to learn more of the work that the RCET undertakes with the school. The Moderator and Mrs Bogle were greeted by Mrs Ingrid Donaldson, Acting Headteacher of the school and had the opportunity to meet a number of pupils and see the facilities supported by the Trust. The visit proved to be a very positive experience for all concerned and the Trust is grateful to the Moderator for giving his time to the school for the visit.

18 September 2012

Kyle Warren

Major Pipe Band Championships

Kyle Warren, former Caley scholar, has had another very successful year as a member of the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band. They repeated last year\‘s successes in winning all the major pipe championships that they entered including the World Pipe Band Championship. Congratulations to Kyle and the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band on this outstanding achievement.

28 August 2012

Natasha Watson

Caley Scholar update

Natasha Watson, a Caley scholar, who appeared in our \“News\” page in 2010, has been nominated for a Scottish Variety Award in the Best Actress category, for her part in the BBC Drama \“Single Father\” alongside David Tennant.

We send Natasha our congratulations on this achievement and wish her the best of luck. Update: We are very pleased to hear that Natasha won the award she was nominated for. Many congratulations.

RCST

03 November 2011

Annual General Meeting

The Trust 2011 AGM

On behalf of all Directors, staff and supporters of the Trust we wish to extend our most grateful thanks and appreciation to Keith Robertson, who after five and a half years as Chairman of the Trust, stood down at the Annual General Meeting held on 3 November. Keith will continue to work with the Trust as a Director.

At the same meeting it was unanimously agreed that Malcolm Noble be elected as Chairman, replacing Keith Robertson. Malcolm has been a Director of the Trust since 2008 and was Deputy Chairman from November 2010 to November 2011.

Catriona Butler has been unanimously elected as Deputy Chairman. Catriona has been a Director of the Trust since 2000.

We also bade farewell to James Grieve, Matthew Shankland, Peter Beauclerk Dewar and May Holmes as Directors of the Trust. We extend our thanks and very best wishes to them all, along with Maggie Harvey who stood down as a Director at the Annual General Meeting in November 2010.

22 August 2011

Sheelagh Harwell

An update from Caley Scholar Sheelagh Harwell

Please see below an extract from a recent letter received from Sheelagh, a Caley Scholar we featured on the website in 2010:

\“I am writing to express my gratitude at being funded for the next academic year by the RCST. I am exceptionally grateful and it will help me pay my living costs in a very busy year where I shall be unable to work to earn any extra money…Thank you again for all your help over the past two years and for the upcoming year\”.

Sheelagh Harwell

12 June 2011

Curriculum for Excellence Factfile

Special notice regarding Curriculum for Excellence Factfile

If you have been directed to our website from the Curriculum for Excellence Factfile - June 2011 please note that, unfortunately, The Royal Caledonian Schools Trust is unable to assist with help and advice to individuals on changing schools. Our work in this area is with teachers in schools where there are service children, providing support to raise awareness and skills for responding to the particular needs and challenges of interrupted education and having family members on operational deployments.

If you require information on changing schools please contact the Local Education Authority and use the links provided in the Factfile. Thank you.

RCST

28 May 2011

Allison Shanley

An update from Caley Scholar Allison Shanley

Allison has spent the majority of her working life so far helping and supporting young people who have found themselves working in the sex industry and as a mature student decided to specialise in mental health nursing. Allison addressed guests at The Moderator\‘s Reception held at The Fleming Collection in November 2010 and the following is an extract from a recent email update received from Allison:

\“This term I am working in The Community Mental Health Team Early Intervention Psychosis Team for Young Aduts.

\“One in every 200 people in the UK experience a psychotic fit at some point in their life. It is most prevalent in young adults aged between 16-35. It is a reaction to stress. Different people react to stress in different ways. The Early Intervention Team works with people who have had one episode to prevent it happening again. The interesting thing is that it can happen to anyone. Many of these young people have responsible jobs: one of my patients works for an investment bank, and as long as recovery is handled correctly there is no reason for a second episode to occur. However, people still prefer not to disclose their reasons for signing off sick. A key part of the placement has involved shadowing the employment advisor who works for the NHS. She campaigns against stigma of mental health in the workplace, should patients choose to disclose. On the other end of the social spectrum, I have also been working alongside ex-child soldiers from Sri Lanka and the Congo who have a dual diagnosis of Psychosis and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

\“Thank you once again for agreeing to sponsor me and I will continue to keep you updated on my progress\”.

The Trust will continue to support Allison in her second year of study.

Alison Shanley

11 May 2011

The Scottish Gallery reception

The RSCT reception 2011 held in The Scottish Gallery, with the space generously provided by the Gallery

On Wednesday 11 May the Trust was privileged to hold our first Edinburgh Reception to be held at The Scottish Gallery in Dundas Street, Edinburgh.

The Trust was delighted to welcome two Honorary Vice-Presidents: Major General David Shaw, GOC 2 Div and Air Commodore Harry Atkinson, Air Officer Scotland.

The evening celebrated the partnerships with many different organisations that the Trust works within Scotland, many of which were represented.

Over 65 guests thoroughly enjoyed two sets played by Kyle Warren, a former Caley Scholar, an outstanding piper and a member of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Guests were also able to hear from and meet some of our wonderful current Caley Scholars, Lyndsey Fraser, Andrew McMillan and Jackie Orr, who are great ambassadors for the Trust, as well as view the paintings exhibited at the Gallery, most notably by artist Perpetua Pope.

We are very grateful to The Scottish Gallery for supporting the Reception and the Trust by donating the Gallery for the evening.

RCST