The Sixth Form Bolton students given taste of army life

The public services had an "action-packed" week at Holcombe Moor Training Camp as part of the British Army Work Experience Week.

They participated in various activities aimed at improving essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving.

The scheme was led by public services tutor and B6 Student Leadership Programme co-ordinator, Nicholas Fisher.

The week started with the students tackling an assault course, which included "conquering 9ft walls and leaping off 6-foot beams".

They were also involved in camouflage and concealment lessons, camp craft, and the construction of a harbour site.

Tasks included concealment lessons, camp craft, construction and night navigation (Image: Sixth Form Bolton)

Night navigation exercises were a key part of the week, which highlighted the importance of communication, teamwork, and leadership in military scenarios.

The third day of the experience week saw the students enhancing their command and control skills by participating in section attacks.

This activity "tested their resilience and problem-solving abilities", forcing them to overcome challenges.

Tasks were in place to improve student's teamwork, communication, resilience and leadership (Image: Sixth Form Bolton)

The week concluded with a presentation ceremony where the students received certificates from the military.

They also listened to an inspiring speech that acknowledged their hard work and potential.

Mr Fisher said: "These students have shown incredible growth in leadership, resilience, and teamwork, enhancing their roles as emerging leaders.

"I couldn't be prouder of how confident, capable, and career-ready they've become."

The students concluded the week with a presentation where they received certificates from the military and heard an inspiring speech commending their efforts and future potential (Image: Sixth Form Bolton)

The students also shared their thoughts on the week, with George-Gabriel Vieru describing it as "one of my most memorable experiences".

He said: "Over the week, we experienced what life in the Army is like, from a soldier's point of view.

"I have made many new friends and I have enhanced my communication and teamwork skills through the section attacks and reconnaissance mission.

"I want to say a special thank you to my public services teacher Mr Nicholas Fisher for working tirelessly for this opportunity, and he has also pushed us beyond our limits to ensure we gave 100 per cent of what we had in us.”

Student Rhianna Hull said: "The army trip was definitely a different experience and opened everyone’s eyes massively.

"I found it difficult learning new skills but the leaders did a great job in helping me achieve.

"It 100 per cent pushed me out of my comfort zone and it made me feel proud of the achievements I made there."

Sebastien Ramdeal also had similar sentiments about the week.

He said: "We developed our teamwork and leadership skills by being placed into sections with another college and carrying out different tasks that were given to us by the army.

"As the week continued, we began to carry out more difficult activities like section attacks and close-target reconnaissance missions at night – these particular activities allowed us to put our leadership and communication skills that we learn in lessons and in prosper and use them practically.

"The opportunity was invaluable and overall, everyone who attended gained a lot from the experience.”

The college offers single and triple vocational level three public services.

To find out more, visit their open event on Thursday, November 28.

More information can be found on their website.