Welbeck The Defence Sixth Form College
Contents 3 Principal s welcome 4 Our Aims 6 STEM Education 8 The Welbeck Curriculum 10 The Co-Curriculum 14 Welbeck Life 16 Welbeck Community 22 Student Stories Royal Navy Army RAF DE&S 32 Application Process 34 Is Welbeck right for you? 18 Career Pathway 20 After Welbeck
www.dsfc.ac.uk Welcome Welbeck The Defence Sixth Form College is a dynamic environment where young men and women grow in self-confidence, thrive academically and are encouraged to make the most of every opportunity. I expect every student to strive to be the best possible version of themselves, to leave the College after two years with no regrets and to achieve beyond that which they dreamed they were capable. Here at Welbeck, committed teachers deliver a challenging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) focused A level curriculum. Our pastoral staff ensure the happiness and success of each student while developing values of integrity, responsibility and a genuine sense of service which prepare them for their future careers. We are often told what an exceptional opportunity Welbeck presents and hope that you will visit the College to meet our students and staff, see the outstanding facilities and experience our unique College in action. I look forward to welcoming you to the College. Peter Middleton Principal 3
Our Aims Our I expect every student to strive to be the best possible version of themselves Peter Middleton, Principal Aims 4
www.dsfc.ac.uk If you aspire to an engineering or technical career in the armed forces or as a civilian within the Ministry of Defence (MOD), there is no better place to continue your education than Welbeck. We are a co-educational boarding school specialising in preparing students for a rewarding career within the armed forces and the MOD. Almost all of our students are pre-selected by the services to join the Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme (DTOEES) and come from a wide variety of backgrounds across the United Kingdom and beyond. As well as a first class, technically focused education, Welbeck offers some of the best campus facilities in the country and an environment that maximises each student s potential for success. Personal, intellectual and physical development brings out the best in our students and hones their leadership skills amongst like-minded individuals. The College aims to ensure that students realise their full potential by: Inspiring the highest possible standards of achievement across STEM based subjects and the broader curriculum. Promoting the development of independent thought and learning. Fostering the core values of courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. Encouraging personal development through education and wider experiences. Providing supportive pastoral care so that students feel safe, secure and valued. Developing leadership skills and character in preparation for the challenges of service life. 5
STEM Education Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Why are STEM A levels important? In an increasingly high tech world, the Ministry of Defence needs to ensure that it is ready to meet the demanding technical requirements of the armed forces. The United Kingdom currently has a shortage of individuals with STEM skills, so demand for graduates with STEM degrees is fierce. Purpose built, Welbeck has the facilities, curriculum and staff to nurture and enable students to prepare to read Engineering and Technical degrees. By their very nature, STEM A level subjects such as Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Design Engineering and Computing help students to develop transferable skills which will support them in their future studies and careers. 6
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8 The Welbeck Curriculum
www.dsfc.ac.uk The Welbeck Curriculum We aim to ensure that all our students meet their academic targets and fulfil their academic potential. Subjects currently on offer at Welbeck are: Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology Electronics Computing Geography Government and Politics Business Studies Design Engineering Further Mathematics In order to prepare students for engineering and technical degrees, all students are expected to study four AS levels which must include Mathematics and Physics. In the Upper Sixth (Year 13) students must study Mathematics and at least two other A levels. Some students will take up an examined enrichment subject for many this will be the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). In addition, students will engage in Physical Training (PT) and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHCE). Our Career Life and Service Skills (CLASS) develops our students understanding of their future careers; this is enriched by regular engagement from serving officers and specialists. Unlocking Academic Potential Teaching staff are fully committed and always on hand to challenge, encourage and support students. Our students receive a higher proportion of lesson contact time than many other schools. Teachers are also on hand for academic support every weeknight in the boarding houses. 9
The Co-Curriculum The Co-Curriculum Alongside their academic achievement, we aim to develop our students on a personal level by challenging them through our diverse range of co-curricular activities. These include many different sports, combined cadet force activities and working within our community through volunteering and charity work. Leadership skills are nurtured and developed alongside this theme of Personal Development, which continues on into the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)and lays the foundations for these future officers to become force multipliers. Combined Cadet Force (CCF) All students are part of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Welbeck, where the main emphasis of the training programme is the development of leadership potential. The CCF staff train and encourage all students to lead by example and follow core values of courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. Welbeck has three serving military officers on its staff and also the College Sergeant Major. These individuals are critical to developing students within the educational environment. Throughout their time at Welbeck, the Cadets will take part in a number of exercises which will test and develop personal resources and leadership skills and encourage them to take on challenging activities. 10
www.dsfc.ac.uk All cadets lead by example and follow core values such as courage, integrity and respect for others. 11
The Co-Curriculum Sports change every term, so there is always chance to try something new Becky, 17, Student 12
www.dsfc.ac.uk Sports and General Activities Sport and Physical Training are integral to developing a spirit of teamwork and fun in life at the College. The College has excellent sporting facilities and an impressive range of activities on offer. These help to instil the importance of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles critical values for those aspiring to a career in the armed forces. General Activities provide an opportunity to experience a new pursuit or develop an existing skill. The range of options include: First Aid Art Music Debating Photography Reading Group DJ Skills Golf Bridge Kayaking Climbing Archery Our students actively support both local and national charities through fundraising, volunteering and taking part in events. There are a variety of clubs and societies that students can join and they can also enrol onto either the Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. 13
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www.dsfc.ac.uk Alongside the academic aims of the College, the pastoral care provided to the students is like an extended family away from home Anne, Parent Life 15
16 Welbeck Community
www.dsfc.ac.uk Welbeck Community Welbeck offers the full benefits of a boarding education where students learn with like-minded, highly focused and committed individuals. Our students come from a wide variety of educational, social and cultural backgrounds from all over the UK and from UK families living overseas. All are focused on their personal development and future careers, creating an environment where there is a real sense of purpose and determination to achieve. This supportive home from home approach acts as an ideal preparation for university. We are conscious that the majority of our students have never boarded away from home before, so our carefully designed induction programme ensures that their transition into boarding life is as easy as possible. A team of Upper Sixth prefects and mentors are trained to work alongside the house staff to help new students settle in quickly to the Welbeck way of life. Welbeck is a small, close-knit community, and as a result everyone gets to know one another very quickly. Students are placed into one of five houses where a team of well qualified house staff, boarding assistants and tutors will guide and support them throughout their time at the College. All study bedrooms are en-suite and shared between three students in the Lower Sixth; many Upper Sixth students have their own room. Each house has its own identity where students form strong friendships, which in turn creates healthy competition between houses across the College. This supportive home from home approach acts as an ideal preparation for university and Initial Officer Training, giving students confidence and independence within a nurturing environment. 17
Career Pathway Almost all students at Welbeck are part of the Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme (DTOEES). Each year approximately 175 young men and women are selected to attend Welbeck, where they will live and learn with like-minded individuals under the careful mentoring of experienced staff. They will develop in a nurturing environment that will inspire and challenge them in preparation for a successful career. After studying technical A levels at Welbeck they move on to one of 11 partner universities to study engineering and technical degrees. On graduating, students will either start their Initial Officer Training with one of the armed forces or join the Ministry of Defence Graduate scheme. They will continue to careers in the Royal Navy, Army, RAF and MOD Civil Service Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). Application and Selection Welbeck DSFC Year 11 Lower Sixth Upper Sixth Age 15/16 17 18 Single Service Selection Educate and Develop 18
www.dsfc.ac.uk University (DTUS) Service Career 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 19 20 21 22 23 Educate and Develop In Service Training - Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth - Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst - RAF College, Cranwell - DE&S Graduate Programme 19
After Welbeck Having successfully completed two years study at Welbeck, our students go on to read for an approved degree at a university within the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS). 20
www.dsfc.ac.uk Our teachers and tutors help each student with their UCAS application to ensure that they select the right degree course for their chosen career at one of the DTUS Partner Universities which include: Aston, Birmingham, Loughborough, Newcastle, Northumbria, Portsmouth, Southampton, Strathclyde, Oxford, Cambridge or Imperial College. Bursaries The Scheme makes sure that sponsorship is available to help with the cost of living expenses; each student is given a 4,000 annual bursary provided they pass a Personal Fitness Assessment once a year. Support Units As well as reading for a degree, DTUS students will join a Military Support Unit (DTUS Squadron) staffed by members of the armed forces who mentor and help progress each student through university. Students are expected to train once a week for which they will receive training pay, and can also earn up to 2,000 per year for work experience and adventurous training. Career After graduating each student will move on to Initial Officer Training with their chosen service at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst or RAF College Cranwell. Civil Service students will start on the Defence Equipment and Support Engineering Graduate Scheme, leading to a career in the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) area of the Ministry of Defence. On completion of their in-service training, all sponsored students are expected to complete three years return of service. Training salaries vary depending on individual careers paths, but every graduate will start on a minimum of 25,000 per annum. 21
Student Stories For me Welbeck meant coming to a school where I would start to prepare for my career and training. I couldn t think of anywhere else I d want to be Holly, 17, Royal Navy Student 22
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Student Stories: Royal Navy Katie Welbeck: 2006 2008 University: Newcastle University Role: Deputy Weapon Engineer Officer 24
www.dsfc.ac.uk House staff are friendly and are always close by to make sure you are well looked after Why did you choose Welbeck? The curriculum and education at Welbeck looked great and on reflection I achieved higher grades than I would have received from attending my local High School. Electronics A Level really appealed to me as it wasn t available at my school and this ultimately lead me to choosing my degree in Electronic Engineering. How did you find boarding at the College? You are put in a room with two other people who are in exactly the same position as you, which quickly puts you at ease. The Upper Sixth students help you through the first few days and house staff are friendly and are always close by to make sure you are well looked after. How has your career progressed since completing Initial Officer Training at Dartmouth? After completing the Systems Engineering Management Course (SEMC), I was deployed for nine months with HMS Lancaster as Deputy Weapons Engineer Officer (DWEO). I visited 23 countries including Portugal, Bermuda, America, Mexico, Columbia, Panama, Chile and South Africa. In this time, we completed tri-service exercises and training with the RAF and Army. We were also given time off to go home during deployment. What do you enjoy most about your job? I love the dynamic working environment. I also enjoy problemsolving, and working as a team across the ship in order to keep it operational at sea. What qualifications have you gained with the Royal Navy? There are many opportunities to continue your professional development with a career in the Royal Navy. During my deployment I completed my Weapon Engineer Charge Qualification (WCQ), this combined with Systems Engineer Management Course (SEMC), count as 120 credits towards a Master s qualification. Next year I will work to gain the further 60 credits to achieve a MSc in Engineering and Management and aim to become Chartered (CEng) within the next 3-4 years. 25
Student Stories: Army Rebecca Welbeck: 2007 2009 University: Northumbria University Role: Troop Commander Royal Logistic Corps 26
www.dsfc.ac.uk How did you find Welbeck s Academic Curriculum? A STEM focused education was great for me because Maths and Science have always been my strongest subjects. This is important for anyone considering Welbeck. What were the benefits of Welbeck and DTOEES for you? At Welbeck, the working environment is balanced between being disciplined and relaxed which helped me to complete my A levels something I had struggled to do at a normal college. Working with like-minded people pushes you mentally and physically. Later at university, you are able to choose from a great range of degrees at the best universities in the country. I gained a degree in Construction Management from Northumbria University. What have you achieved in your career so far? I have been working for six years in the Royal Logistic Corps and have been promoted to the rank of Captain. The Corps has a real family atmosphere with opportunities in sport and adventurous training. I am currently an Executive Officer to a Brigadier working at the HQ of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps for NATO, which includes 23 different nations. In 2017 I became the Army Ladies Alpine Champion, but missed out this year due to injury. I hope to be on the Army team for the Inter- Services competition in 2019. You are able to choose from a great range of degrees at the best universities in the country Have you been abroad with the Army? I have had a lot of opportunities to travel, including trips to Canada, Bavaria, Poland, Austria and Egypt. While abroad, I completed exercises and took part in activities such as rock climbing, skiing and also gained a scuba diving qualification which the Army paid for. Would you recommend the scheme? Not only have I been all over the world, but the salary is well above average for someone my age, so I would definitely recommend the scheme; it s the start of a great career. 27
Student Stories: RAF What made you choose Welbeck? I knew I wanted to be an Engineer in the military and was fairly certain I wanted to be in the RAF. I had heard of Welbeck so looked into the college and it seemed like the perfect place to start my military career. Why did you choose the RAF? I have a lot of family friends who are in the RAF and the lifestyle really appealed to me. You are able to travel, meet new people, take part in sports, adventurous training and gain qualifications that a civilian job can t provide. How did you find DTUS? The scheme was a great support at university. One night a week you go to your DTUS Squadron which is a Tri-Service unit that provides you with general service knowledge. Nearly everyone in your DTUS unit comes from Welbeck so when you arrive at university there are people who you already know, making it easier to settle in. What have you achieved in your career so far? After passing Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell, I then completed my Phase 2 training specifically to be an Engineering Officer. This involved building on the engineering knowledge I had gained in my degree, by studying aerodynamics, propulsion and material structures. We then moved on to study policy governing military aircraft maintenance, and decision making in an engineering environment. I am currently undertaking a degree in Engineering Management, my second degree, for which I completed most of the necessary study in Engineer Officer Training. What do you do in your current role? I am now in my first posting as Officer Commanding Engineer Support Flight on the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, more commonly known as the Red Arrows. I am responsible for a variety of elements within the Team including training, logistics, safety and quality. I also hold aircraft authorisations that allow me to support the other engineering officers, as we are often in different locations. 28
www.dsfc.ac.uk Chloe Welbeck: 2010 2012 University: Newcastle University Role: Royal Air Force Engineering Officer (Aerosystems) You are able to travel, meet new people, take part in sports, adventurous training and gain qualifications that a civilian job can t provide 29
Student Stories: DE&S Everyone is in the same position which means you instantly get to know one another and form close friendships Reece Welbeck: 2010 2012 University: Northumbria University Role: Civilian Graduate Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Anchor 30
www.dsfc.ac.uk weapons work. The UK has a wide variety of weapons in its portfolio, all with different capabilities and specifications, making the role incredibly exciting. Each weapon is closely linked to the platform it is on, so there is always the potential to work with aircrafts, submarines and ships. You are given a lot of opportunities to expand your technical knowledge, meaning the role is very specialist. There aren t many explosive engineers out there! How did you find boarding at Welbeck? It didn t take long to settle in; the students and staff really make the whole experience so unique. Everyone is in the same position which means you instantly get to know one another and form close friendships. What are the benefits of studying through the DTOEES programme? The programme offers unique opportunities. During my time at Welbeck I had a very busy lifestyle; in the evenings I learnt Arabic, competed in sports and completed military training drills. This continues at university where there are opportunities to get paid for further Adventurous Training skills outside of mandatory training. The squadron also regularly gets together to socialise and have fun. Why did you choose your current role? I chose the Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (WOME) Anchor within Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) as I have always been interested in how explosives and What does your job entail? As a graduate within DE&S, you have the opportunity to move around for two years on four six month placements, developing your skills in different areas. In my first placement, I worked on a weapons project for the new Maritime Patrol Aircraft; my second placement was working on future weapon systems and technologies with International Defence Agencies; I then went to the Defence Academy of the UK to complete my MSc in Explosive Ordnance Engineering before my final placement as a Safety Advisor for Air-Launched Weapons. At the end of the graduate scheme, you are interviewed and assessed on your technical competence and experience gained during your placements. Having successfully completed that interview, I have now started my permanent post working on weapons integration for the new F-35 aircraft, within the Air-to-Air Missiles Project Team, at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol. What advice would you give others who are thinking about joining DE&S? You re constantly encouraged to develop yourself and your abilities all while being paid. Be prepared to live in different places and take the opportunity to travel and meet new people. 31
Application Process How to apply You can apply using the online form on the Royal Navy website. You will be given an appointment to visit your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office who will assist in your preparation for the selection procedure. The process culminates in attendance at the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB), a two-day assessment in HMS SULTAN Gosport where you will be assessed, both mentally and physically, on your potential to become a naval officer. Successful applicants are offered a provisional place pending GCSE results. There are a variety of Engineer Officer roles available within the Royal Navy; Weapon and Marine Engineers operating in the Surface Fleet, Air Engineers in the Fleet Air Arm and Weapon and Marine Engineer Submariners operating below the surface. For more advice and information on Royal Navy careers, visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers Applications for Army sponsorship to Welbeck are accepted between September and December of the year prior to entry. Applicants should contact us via the Army website or the phone number listed below. Once your application has been checked and you are eligible to apply, you ll be allocated a Candidate Support Manager (CSM) who will help you throughout the process. You ll then be interviewed by a Lead Recruiter (Senior Talent) in a local Careers Centre. Once you ve passed your interview and medical checks you ll be invited along to the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) where your fitness, team skills and potential to be an officer will be assessed. Candidates who are successful at this selection board are offered a provisional place at Welbeck pending GCSE results. Following Welbeck College and University, candidates are expected to join one of the four Technical Corps : Royal Engineers, Royal Corps of Signals, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. For more advice and information on Army careers, call 0345 600 8080 or search Army jobs. 32
www.dsfc.ac.uk You should apply using the website or phone number listed below. You will be invited to the nearest Armed Forces Careers Office where you will receive further advice and guidance on the application and selection process. The latest date for application is the March prior to the start of the school year. Selection interviews take place at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire in July, lasting three days. The assessments are tailored to cater for 15 and 16-yearold students and will include aptitude tests, leadership exercises, interview and medical/fitness assessments. For more information on how to apply visit the website listed below. Apply using the online application form which includes a school tutor report. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre which will assess your academic potential and your ability against a range of skills and competences such as teamwork, communication and leadership. Final selection for Welbeck is dependent on passing the assessment centre and achieving the required grades at GCSE or equivalent. For more advice and information call 030 679 84320 or visit www.mod.uk/desg Successful applicants are offered a provisional place pending GCSE results. Royal Air Force Welbeck entry is only for Engineering Officer candidates. For more advice and information on Royal Air Force careers, call 0345 601 5409 or visit www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment 33
Is Welbeck right for you? If you are ambitious, motivated, driven and wanting a career within the armed forces or Ministry of Defence, it could be for you. Academic entry requirements vary depending on the service you wish to join. You should be medically fit and a UK, Commonwealth or Irish citizen, aged between 15 and 17½ on September 1st in the year of entry to the College. 34
Burton upon Trent Loughborough Coalville Melton Mowbray Tamworth LEICESTERSHIRE LEICESTER Oakham Hinckley Blaby Market Harborough Forest Road, Woodhouse, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 8WD T: +44 (0) 1509 891700 Welbeck is fully committed to equal opportunities. We aim to treat everyone fairly and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination including harassment and bullying. The contents of this publication are intended as a guide and cannot be quoted as an authority. Crown Copyright 2018 v1. www.dsfc.ac.uk