For some teenagers further education means two years of slaving over the theory books in order to pass the end of term exams but for Fiona Harrison from Narberth it also means rugby and rowing, mountaineering in Snowdonia and a 12-day summer camp in the highlands of Scotland.

Fiona was accepted on a course at Welbeck, the Army's 6th form college in Nottinghamshire and has now been studying there for nearly nine months. In addition to traditional subjects like Maths, Physics and French, Fiona has specialised in Electronics as she wants to become an engineer in the Army.

While studying at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Fiona heard about the college from a former pupil of her mother's and sent off a speculative application form. After several interviews, a visit to the college and an arduous assessment day, Fiona was offered a place. Being an active individual – Fiona was already an international mountain runner and keen sportswoman - the real attraction of the college was the opportunity to combine a high quality academic programme with a host of physical and sporting activities.

From an academic perspective, Fiona is progressing well – she has been predicted four As at AS level – but this is only part of the experience that she has gained. So far she has taken part in three military exercises, including a 24 hour Leadership drill, as well as a mountaineering course and has signed up for physical training instructor and mountain leader courses. She has made the first team squads in both hockey and rugby sevens and has taken the opportunity to take try her hand at rowing – a sport that she has always been interested in.

"Being at Welbeck is both physically and mentally demanding and for me, simply being here is fulfiling in its self," said Fiona. "Everyone here is unique, we all have different things to offer but on the whole all students are like-minded in the sense that we all have the same long-term goal – to become officers in the Army."

On completing her time at Welbeck, Fiona hopes to study Engineering at Cambridge University and then go on to Sandhurst to complete her Army officer training. Her final goal is to become an officer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

For further information about entry to Welbeck contact the Army Careers Information Office, The Dalton VC Centre, Freemans Way, Haverfordwest (01437 767329). Welbeck College on 01909 476326 or visit http://www.welbeck.ac.uk">www.welbeck.ac.uk