Phoebe (D22)

Before joining Canford in Lower Sixth I was a member of the Wiltshire ACF and I have really enjoyed continuing my training here in the Army section. We are lucky to have so many opportunities in the CCF and amazing facilities both at the school and in Dorset and Devon for weekend expeditions and exercises. The leadership opportunities through my role as an NCO have been fantastic and have given me the opportunity to develop skills such as organisation, planning and confidence. I have applied these into my academic work, friendships and general school life. I decided at the end of the summer to apply for an Army scholarship to combine with a degree in Biological Sciences, hopefully at either Durham or Exeter.

As part of the process, the two day Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) assessment at their base in Westbury required many different skills - a fitness test, obstacle course, computer test involving numerical and abstract reasoning, a current affairs essay, a planning exercise and academic and current affairs interviews. Without the chance to develop my sport, interview technique, academic awareness and global awareness through my Canford experience. I would definitely not have felt so prepared to give it my best shot. I was both thrilled and surprised to receive my letter offering me a scholarship and I am excited to see where my military career takes me.