Inverness school invites parents to view Forces Kids film.

Parents of pupils at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness are being invited to view a short film by the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET), “Forces Kids – This is My Life” which portrays insights into the feelings of young people when a member of their family is deployed to a combat zone.

Former Raigmore Head Teacher, Moira Leslie, who is currently working as Education Programme Officer for the RCET will be in the school to share the DVD with parents on Tuesday 7 May at 2pm and with P5-7 pupils on Thursday 9 May at 9.15am.

The 27 minute short film features the real life experiences of around 30 primary and secondary Armed Forces children in Scotland. The film highlights how young people and families can be better supported during potentially traumatic times when a family member is deployed to combat.

The aims of the film are:

The educational context for the film lies within the Mental and Emotional Wellbeing outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence – Health and Wellbeing

Current Head Teacher of Raigmore Primary School, Fiona Shearer said: “We have already shared the DVD with staff and it is a very powerful and moving piece of film.  We would now like to share it with parents before then sharing the DVD with our P5-7 pupils. This is something we would like to share with all parents in our school community, not just those in Service families, as the DVD and supporting materials can be used to support all children in our school community.”

Councillor Carolyn Caddick, Highland Council’s Armed Forces and Veteran's Champion welcomed the viewing of the DVD she said: “This is an excellent way in which we can help our young people, families and those close to them cope when loved ones are called to serve in combat zones is welcome. The DVD raises awareness of the issues and anxieties involved for all those concerned and I would urge anyone to view it whether they have Forces connections or not.”

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust is an education trust supporting the children of Scots who are serving, or have served, in the Armed Forces. Further information about this trust and a trailer of the video is on the RCET website at: http://www.rcet.org.uk/video.php

29 Apr 2013