Armed forces learning
A resource for key stages 1 to 4 has been launched to educate children about the work of the UK armed forces.
![British soldiers patrol through a wheat field in Afghanistan (library image) [Picture: Corporal Daniel Wiepen, Crown copyright]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a61383de5274a443e00a791/s300_45157901.jpg)
British soldiers patrol through a wheat field in Afghanistan (library image)
The new initiative aims to inform and educate both schoolchildren and teachers about the work of the British armed forces.
The resource, hosted from its own website, covers students from the ages of 5 to 16 and is designed to be used as part of teaching in English, history and citizenship lessons.
The project, launched by Number 10 and supported by the Ministry of Defence, explores key questions that students might have about the armed forces. These range from why we have the armed forces, their history and their work in the present day, to first-hand accounts of what it is like to work in the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
A diverse range of people have contributed to bringing the learning resource to life. Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic religious advisor to the armed forces, drew on his experience of ‘building bridges across communities and working to bring peace’ whilst serving in Afghanistan.
Historian Dan Snow wrote the introduction to ‘The Armed Forces in our History’ section, focusing on the wars that have ‘shaped our world’.
RAF personnel on parade (library image) [Picture: Corporal Barry Lloyd, Crown copyright]
The Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Anna Soubry, said:
The role our armed forces play in the security of our country is as vital as ever, supported by peacekeeping and humanitarian work carried out right across the world.
With the centenary of the start of the First World War this year, the teaching pack offers an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about the breadth of our armed forces past, present and future.
Just about every perspective from the armed forces has been represented in some way, from reservists and cadets to veterans and generals. Divided into 6 sections, and complete with a range of teaching ideas for younger and older students, the teaching pack is an immersive resource containing interactive links, video and audio.