STUDENTS swapped school uniform for combats when they got a taste of army life during work experience week.
Twenty-five Year 10s from The King's Academy, Coulby Newham, learned drills, tabbing and herringbone formation patrolling during a four-night residential in North Yorkshire.
Based at Wathgill Camp, near Richmond, the group got an insight into life in the military with physical challenges, including a one-and-a-half mile run and the army assault course, and tasks to test their teamwork and communication skills at Marne Barracks.
For Leah Banfield, 15, of Coulby Newham, the week reaffirmed her interest in a military career.
"It's made it more of a reality for me," she said.
"The army isn't a job to get stuck in because there are so many different things to do and lots of opportunities.
"I don't think any of us knew what to expect this week. It's been physically challenging but I've really enjoyed it."
Kaylynn McAvoy, 15, of Easterside, added: "I want to go into engineering in the army so this has been a really good experience."
Mel Simblett, head of Year 10 at The King's who accompanied the students with the academy's outdoor education instructor Steve Hall, said the young people had responded well to the challenges.
"Some have realised they are more determined than they thought they were and can achieve things they perhaps didn't think possible," she added.
All Year 10 students at The King's Academy get the chance to do work experience, opting to find their own placement or being matched to an organisation by coordinator Jackie Hurst.
Students have been working at Crathorne Hall and Judges hotels, primary schools and nurseries, care homes and one boy has been at Rolls-Royce in Sunderland.