Army recruited to combat truancy

Army instructors are being drafted in to combat truancy in
Scotland following an announcement by education minister Jack
McConnell.

The North Lanarkshire pilot, set up under the skill force
initiative, will employ three retired military instructors with
adventure pursuits qualifications. Around 80 pupils from four
schools will be involved over two years when the project starts in
the autumn.

Based on an American model called junior reserve officer corps,
skill force is already running in Newcastle and Norfolk. Pupils,
both boys and girls, with established truancy patterns will drop
two subjects from the curriculum in order to participate.

The scheme will use a variety of outdoor activities though the
Scottish executive has denied it will be a ‘boot camp’ for
teenagers. McConnell said: “By adapting the curriculum for
disaffected youngsters, the programme makes room for activities
designed to revive their interest in learning. The goal is to help
them achieve their full potential at school and equip them with the
skills and confidence needed once they leave.”