NEWS ARCHIVE
Weather doesn't dampen students' enthusiasm!
MORE than 100 Public Services students from across the county were put through their paces last week Friday (27th January) when Cornwall College St Austell played host to a 'Public Services Challenge' day.
Testing their mental and physical skills, students competed at 12 different activity stations in teams of ten, involving representatives from the Army, Cornwall Air Ambulance, St Johns Ambulance, Police and Royal Marines.
Activities included being taught about weapons in the Army, mini assault courses, marble run, a spider web exercise, ski course, observations, a minefield exercise and much more, each lasting for 20 minutes. There were a few heavy hail showers lasting several minutes, but such was the determination of the groups that they all stuck to the task in hand.
April Lloyd, 17, from Truro, on the Public Services BTEC Diploma Level 2 at St Austell, said: “It’s been a good day out working with team mates, it has been fun. As the day has gone on our team are working better and better together. I have enjoyed learning about the Army weapons today as I have never been that close to all the different types of guns they use, obviously they were not loaded!”
Teams that took part in the challenge were from Cornwall College St Austell, Camborne, Duchy College and Hayle Community School. Students scored points in each challenge to find out the overall champion and a trophy and medals were awarded to the Hayle Community School team who are taught Public Services at Cornwall College Camborne.
Liam Brokenshire, 17, who is studying Public Services BTEC Extended Diploma at St Austell, commented: “The day really helped us to develop our teamwork skills outside the classroom environment. I think the best activity was the skiing obstacle course, where we had to work as a team on planks of wood and move around an obstacle course without letting our feet touch the floor. It certainly tested our communication skills!”
The Marines task saw students work together as a team whilst trouble-shooting and brain storming on the spot to rescue “Stan” from a mine field. Students were given ropes and equipment adequate to lift and guide Stan away from danger.
Brett Marsh, Course Area Manager for Sports & Public Services, said: “Events like this showcase the curriculum area and highlight the outstanding vocational links and relationships we have with the services. Many of these students will want to progress onto a career in the forces and it’s great to be able to help support them along the way. I was hugely impressed with the efforts of not only the participants but also the way in which his second year students, who assisted, had stuck to their various roles all day in all conditions.”
Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College, said: “This was the first time we have organised such an event and what a great day we had. It was a great experience for our students, who did us proud and we are truly grateful for their hard work and positive team spirit. It was also great to see so much support from the services.”
