A busy term for UPS and Public Services

There has been a huge amount of activity recently in our Sixth Form Uniformed Protective Services classes, and our main school Public Services classes.

Y12 UPS students have embarked on a trip to Ivinghoe Beacon, in preparation for their forthcoming expedition. Despite the grey weather, there were lots of great teamwork and map reading skills on display – well done all.

Y12 have also been learning about discipline. Students learnt about the importance of having the correct uniform and that presentation is an important part of discipline in the uniformed services. Shoes and boots need to be clean and when on parade they have to have a shine, so students took part in a ‘Bulling Boot Competition’! To get the shine, students learnt how to apply the boot polish and use water and a duster, and gradually make small circles to build a shine. All students had 30 minutes to get the shiniest boot. Students mastered the technique quickly and did a really good job, making it difficult for Mrs Ferguson-Moore to judge!

Y13 UPS students recently took part in a drill competition on the school site – well done to everyone for demonstrating excellent teamwork and leadership skills. Students were divided into three teams, and Team A (consisting of Adam, Sophie, Elliot and Lewie) came out on top. Special mention to Erin, Ben, Lewie and Adam, who stood out for their leadership skills.

And Y10 Public Services students welcomed Mrs O’Connell, Vandyke’s Finance & HR Manager, who kindly came in to talk about the budget.  Students asked lots of fantastic questions and learnt a lot from this talk. This really heled them in their understanding of how public services are funded and where all the money goes. Thank you to Mrs O’Connell!