Ministry of Defence
During his tour of the Scottish Army Cadet Force detachment linked to Broxburn Academy, West Lothian, Mr Brazier saw how the schoolwork of the 40 enrolled pupils had benefited from the cadet training they undertake at school.
He visited while pupils were put through their paces at the Cadet Training Centre at Drumshoreland House, Broxburn.
Meeting the head teacher, Peter Reid, staff and cadets, Mr Brazier was told how the Scottish Government-approved Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP), launched in 2012, was benefitting some of the 160 pupils across the seven Linked Detachments in Scottish state schools: Broxburn, Hawick, Lasswade, Govan, Kirkcaldy, Viewforth and Moffat.
Funded through 50million of LIBOR bank fines, the programme benefits 100 schools across the UK and is an elective subject choice within the curriculum.
The Prime Minister has committed to grow the total number of cadet units parading in schools to 500 by March 2020.
All state-funded schools may apply and the scheme is expected to be expanded to Linked Detachments with local Sea Cadet and Air Training Corps units.
Minister for Reserves Julian Brazier said:
Meeting the pupils today has reminded me just how the values and standards that are held so dear by the military are applicable to all of lifes endeavours. I have been struck by their enthusiasm, confidence and maturity, as well as by the professionalism of the volunteers and staff with Lothian and Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force. I also commend the head teacher of Broxburn Academy for taking full advantage of this scheme, and applaud other schools that do likewise.
Peter Reid, head teacher at the Broxburn Academy, said:
Pupils who have taken these courses have gained a great deal educationally whereas on a personal level they have grown and matured in a number of ways. They have developed leadership and teamwork on this course and their communication skills have been greatly enhanced a result. All have learned to show greater respect for others and this has helped them to focus better within classes around the school.