At the Isle of Wight College, our Uniformed Public Services students don’t just study the theory—they live it. Education here goes far beyond classroom walls, offering real-world experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers in the police, armed forces, emergency response, and other public service sectors.
One of the most immersive recent experiences was our residential trip to Jersey Camp in Porchfield, designed to assess learners as part of their Security Procedures unit.
Real-World Challenges, Real Results
The week kicked off with a 19.5km fully loaded navigational hike, with students carrying all the kit needed for the week ahead. This challenging trek wasn’t just about physical endurance—it mirrored the rigours of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and real service life, setting the tone for a week of hard work, teamwork, and resilience.
After arriving at camp and receiving their briefing, students had time for food, rest, and a much-needed sleep before diving into the full programme.
Building Grit from Day One
Day two began at 7am with a Physical Training session led by our Level 3 Personal Training students, under the guidance of Damien. Despite sore legs from the hike, the group pushed through, showing real grit and determination—exactly the qualities needed in public service roles.
Hands-On Security Training
The core of the week focused on rotational training in key security procedures, including:
Stop and search protocols
Vehicle searches
Applying legislation such as PACE and the Terrorism Act
While some students practised these skills, others tackled team-building and leadership challenges, involving timed problem-solving tasks designed to test their ability to work together, lead under pressure, and communicate clearly.
36 Hours of Military-Style Simulation
As the sun set, the intensity increased. Students began a 36-hour military-style simulation involving:
Night patrols
Guard duty
Surveillance for suspicious activity
Evidence gathering under fatigue
With one-hour-on, three-hours-off shifts, students experienced the reality of sleep deprivation and the critical importance of maintaining performance under stress.
High Stakes, Realistic Threats
In the next phase, students conducted perimeter patrols and vehicle checks, dealing with realistic security threats. Unknown to them, Level 2 Public Services students played the part of insurgents, launching:
Reconnaissance missions
Infiltration attempts
Full-scale mock assaults
One of the highlights? Responding to a last-minute threat involving a homemade explosive device hidden inside a baked bean can—an explosive finale to a high-pressure exercise!
Preparing for Life, Not Just Assessment
After a hearty breakfast, students took part in a final PT session, followed by valuable workshops on stress management and resilience techniques—crucial tools for anyone entering the public service field.
The final evening brought laughter and camaraderie as teams cooked a Chicken and Ham Pasta Bake (not a spoonful was left!), followed by room inspections and the unsolved mystery of the missing burner phone. Spoiler: someone even checked inside every teabag... but the phone remained elusive!
Learning That Stays with You
By the end of the week, students had been tested physically, mentally, and emotionally. They rose to the challenge, supported each other, and grew in confidence. Most importantly, they applied their academic knowledge in real-world settings—gaining leadership, resilience, teamwork, and an understanding of what it really takes to succeed in uniformed public service.
At the Isle of Wight College, we believe in more than just qualifications—we believe in preparing students for life.
