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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Does anyone have a son or daughter joining Harrogate Army College in March?

56 replies

triplets · 01/02/2015 09:12

My son joins on the 15th, would be nice to talk to others! :)

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goinggetstough · 01/02/2015 13:44

No, but good luck to him!

Original poster
triplets · 01/02/2015 15:37

Thank you ggt, its me who is getting nervous not him!

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ruby1234 · 01/02/2015 15:55

Hello again triplets!

Hope all goes well.

My army DS is just back from a few weeks in California - living the army dream and having a great time!

Hugs xxxxx

Original poster
triplets · 01/02/2015 22:10

Hi Ruby.........really good to hear from you:) Was he on holiday, and where did he go? California is my favourite place on earth, been 4 times! Please remind me what your ds is in, how is he getting on? I posted today on an older thread about our kids joining up and there is so much negativity on there. Yes I am scared something might happen to him, you know why. But its his life and its what he has wanted to do for three years now. I feel very proud of him getting his place at Harrogate, just hoping they will make him explore other options than the Infantry. Do you worry too? Hope you are well, thanks for the message........xx

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SisterNancySinatra · 01/02/2015 22:15

They used to have their own chat website called "Arse website"( no jokes) . I Used it all the time when my son was at Harrogate AFC.

GnomeDePlume · 01/02/2015 22:23

My DS is applying to join in September. What trade is your DS going in for?

Original poster
triplets · 01/02/2015 22:33

Hi , he is joining the Infantry but no job role yet decided, Harrogate said thats fine, he will I hope be guided once hes there. He only got 3 gcses, just not interested in school, but I am hoping he will pick up on his Eng and Maths at Harrogate. We had an interesting talk on the Open Day from one of the heads of education, he says they will get them all through to level 2 at least, he told us that they sometimes get junior soldiers that are unable to read or write but they can when they leave there! I would very much like him to further his education, I think sometimes he feels the Infantry is his only option as he doesn`t have the grades. We will see.

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Original poster
triplets · 01/02/2015 22:35

How old is your son now GnomeDe Plume? Thomas will be 17 and 2 months so just scraped in!

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GnomeDePlume · 02/02/2015 08:26

Hi triplets, DS is 16. He is one of the oldest in his year so this is his only chance to go to Harrogate otherwise he will have to go in as an adult. He is hoping to go into REME to become an armourer.

I honestly think that Harrogate is great for the inbetweeners who will get perhaps a few GCSEs but have neither the interest or the aptitude for A levels. Junior entry gives them time to decide if the military life is for them. Also, from what we have read the educational opportunities are great and they certainly do seem to have a lot of success with getting literacy and numeracy standards up. The education is very much focused on the individual needs so does seem to engage and be effective (going on things we have read).

Depending on trade the army will take them through to higher education (paid for by the army).

Good luck to your son. I think that the first 6 weeks are hard but at the same time he wont have got to that point if the army thinks he cant do it.

Original poster
triplets · 02/02/2015 09:28

Hi, we were told that they review their qualifications then sort them into 3 groups, Alpha, Beta, Charlie. If they are in Charlie then it will be 8 JS`s to 1 tutor.............that's where Thomas will be! Good luck to your son, if he wants to talk to Thomas any time he can. I found a lad on FB who has helped T a lot. :)

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ruby1234 · 02/02/2015 11:19

Hi triplets

My DS was in California with the Army doing some drone flying practice.... he's going back again in a few weeks. Flew into San Francisco then onto a camp a few hours away. He is in the Royal Artillery. He is also going again to Canada very soon, last time he went he spent some time with the Mounties.

When he joined up, he joined into REME, but after a few months decided he preferred the RA and was able to transfer - I know your DS is set on the Infantry, but when he has a chance to try the other choices he may change his mind.

My DS is very keen on sport and plays for the Army - he has been on plenty of sports tours all over the world so is very fortunate. He even played in Afghanistan when he was serving there!

I know you are worried, but he will have a great life if he decides its for him. My DS has been in 5 years now, the Army may have made him into their soldier, but to us he is just the same daft lovely lad he ever was.

When he joined up, he was half way through a college course (Armed Public Services) and the army gave him a bursary to continue and pass his course - once he passed out after basic training he got £2000.

Any questions anyone, please ask.

TheFairyCaravan · 02/02/2015 11:28

That's come round quickly Triplets. I understand your nervousness.

Get him practicing his ironing and sewing skills. The ironing comes much quicker to them, but when DS1 had to sew his name badges on he struggled!
We've just received our invitation to DS1's end of Phase 2 families day. It doesn't seem he has been gone for that long, tbh.

Good luck to Thomas.

cal40 · 24/02/2015 11:24

Hello all my son is off to Harrogate on March 15th too! Have you seen their timetable yet? I've looked at all the pdf files on the army website and can't find it? Son only went for selection last week so we are rushing around getting all the bits and pieces he needs. I'm worried and excited for him it's a real mixture of emotions isn't it? Anyway I feel this is the just the start lol. Great tip on the ironing he can make a start on it today!

bexter72 · 01/03/2015 23:37

Hi everyone, really new to this, actually found this site tonight.
(not sure what DS means sos)
My son is 16 and is off to Harrogate on Sunday (8th March) Its very surreal and emotional, yet i am keeping my emotions to myself as wouldn't want him seeing me upset.....i'm dreading it but also so proud as I know this is what he wants to do. he wants to become a chef through the Army.
i'm a bit concerned as we have had the confirmation email with training date etc, but our GP didnt sent paperwork off until 10 days ago, so haven't had official letter through or train/travel details through. We are planning for the 8th but not sure what will happen if we don't hear by at least Tuesday. Anyone else had similar worries and/or their son/daughter off on 8th?

Bonnie2015 · 02/03/2015 18:09

Hi there Triplets. I notice you have said your son is joining Harrogate Afc. I'm new to this sight and would be great to talk to someone who is in the same position as myself. My son is also joining.

bexter72 · 09/03/2015 22:09

well we dropped our son off yesterday very impressed with the college and what they have to offer but oh my goodness...very emotional!
He has rung me tonight and says its amazing, he's had his hair cut (don't think he's happy about that) but has had a good day one and is off paintballing on the weekend.

kevandkeira · 17/03/2015 20:47

Those of you whose children have been there a while, how many guests were they allowed for the family day & pass out parade?
Thanks

helzapoppin2 · 19/03/2015 22:31

Hi, my nephew, who lives with us, has applied for September. We live in close proximity to the college. I will keep an eye on this thread for any news and tips. Better, I'm encouraged that your son,says it's amazing.

helzapoppin2 · 19/03/2015 22:32

That should be Bexter, not better!

bexter72 · 23/03/2015 14:11

helzapoppin2, he struggled during his first week but now entering week 3 he absolutely loves it! Made some good friends x

Original poster
triplets · 25/03/2015 22:59

Hi everyone......for some reason I couldnt get this thread to come up! Anyway here is an update! Took Thomas up on the 15th, so awful being given 30 seconds to say our goodbyes..............yes I cried!! He is in Waterloo platoon 5 whats yours in <strong>CAL4</strong> ? Since that Sun we have only had 2 phone calls, one on the night of the 15th and one last Thurs!! Plus 2 texts, one said he had had 2 jabs and a blood test the other said could you send me some drawing pins!! I have been wishing all night for him to phone but nothing, another Mum on FB says that some of them are out on an exercise! So I am hoping this all means he is ok, not homesick. Cal have you sent your request in yet for him to come home on leave with you on the 24th April? I am confused by it, I thought we were getting a letter to fill in, but it seems we write each time they want to leave the camp. Was told there should have been a template in our welcome letter but there wasnt in mine. Another Mum told me to email it, she gave me the address and I got a reply saying it had gone to the wrong section!! Can I ask what you have done? Be nice to keep this going now, as the Army said, we are all part of the family now! Hope you are all coping, its the missing which is so awful. xx

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Original poster
triplets · 28/03/2015 17:06

Just bumping........could do with talking to someone getting Confused

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Original poster
triplets · 28/03/2015 17:13

Btw have been warned by a mum who has been thru this to use common sense about what you write publicly, security.

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TheFairyCaravan · 28/03/2015 21:40

Are you ok Triplets? I've not done the Foundation College, but DS1 passed out of Phase 2 yesterday, so I know how it feels to miss them, feel confused etc. I'm always here if you want a chat.

Original poster
triplets · 28/03/2015 22:04

Hi Fairycaravan......thank you! Yes just feeling a little lost I suppose. Seems ages already since I saw him..........2 weeks tomorrow! He has only ever been away from home a week before. Its going to take some getting used to. How is your son enjoying Army life?

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