Uniformed Protective Services students from Stratford-upon-Avon College have been taking their learning out into the open during the first term of the academic year.
Students on both the Level 2 and Level 3 (first and second year) Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) courses have benefited from excursions to the Brecon Beacons, the Malvern Hills and most recently a residential trip to Skern Lodge in Devon.
The student used the tips to the Malvern Hills and Brecon Beacons as a chance to prepare for their annual residential to Skern Lodge
During the trips to Wales and Malvern, UPS students were able to learn and develop skills relating to basic navigation, team building and problem solving as well as get expedition practise. The students could then take these skills and further develop them on their annual residential trip to Skern Lodge.
The students had a jam-packed week of activities at Skern Lodge. Day 1 began with Level 2s completing some orienteering around the local area. Year 1s took part in zip lines, blind trials, tunnels, and archery. The Year 2s completed problem solving tasks. After a busy afternoon, the students went to dinner and into evening activities that included camp craft, night hike and team building.
Day 1 at Skern Lodge
Day 2 was a jammed packed day working towards criteria for units of study. Level 2s went rafting in the morning and then completed team building on the assault course. The Year 1 groups went coasteering in the morning and then high ropes in the afternoon whilst the Year 2s took part in navigating underground tunnels and surfing.
Day 2 at Skern Lodge
Day 3 involved some problem-solving raft building with the Level 2s, surfing in the sunshine with the Year 1s and a full day out coastal walking with the Year 2s at Hartland Bay. All groups then completed course logbooks and had some fun in the swimming pool.
Day 3 at Skern Lodge
The final day all groups were on-site completing team tasks and problem solving. All activities allowed students to gain essential criteria for their course and gave them a chance to challenge themselves both physically and mentally.
UPS lecturer, Oli Wilkins, commented: “The UPS groups have all done extremely well and managed to achieve lots of criteria for the course. Many students have grown in confidence, made new friends, and put themselves outside of their comfort zones. All these skills are essential for life in the Public Services, and we have even finished with smiles. Well done to all students and thank you to all the staff who have helped during the week.”
