Public Services students have undertaken a whirlwind series of trips and activities this term designed to immerse them in the real-world challenges and experiences they might face in future careers.
From the roar of emergency vehicles to an exciting trip to explore a naval destroyer, students have enjoyed opportunities to learn lessons far beyond the classroom.
The term began with a visit to the Emergency Services Show, where students explored the full spectrum of first responders’ work. Students participated in hands-on demonstrations, such as using hydraulic rescue tools, and learnt CPR techniques from paramedics. The highlight of the day came when students met members of the Mountain Rescue team, who shared stories of perilous rescues in the wild.
Curriculum Manager for Public Services, Tim Turner shared: “It was incredible seeing our students learn about a future in emergency services. It has been a really motivational event.”
Next, the students travelled to Portsmouth to tour the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Walking beneath towering F-35 fighter jets, learners had a chance to learn directly from the ship’s crew guided them through operations. As part of their visit, students role-played as officers, making decisions, and facing logistical challenges.
The pace quickened when the students arrived at Chilwell Army Camp in Nottingham for an exciting military experience. After being issued camouflage gear, the students faced a series of demanding tasks, from assault course runs to tactical exercises in dense woodland.
Tim continued: “It was a tough weekend, but all the students took it in their stride.”
Finally, the students headed to Plymouth for a deeply immersive exercise aboard HMS St Albans where they participated in a simulation, acting as expatriates and refugees being evacuated from an overseas territory amidst political unrest.
The exercise challenged the students to think on their feet. The simulation concluded with a debrief where they discussed the emotional and logistical complexities of humanitarian crises.
“These trips were more than just excursions, they were transformative experiences.” Said Tim, reflecting on the exciting visits the students had undertaken. “Students were pushed out of their comfort zones, and these experiences reinforced the core values of teamwork, resilience, and leadership.”