Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) students from Stratford-upon-Avon College set their sights to the highest heights as they adventured on their latest outdoor challenges.
On each year of their course UPS students ascend a challenging peak and test out a range of survival, fitness and teamwork skills. This time, first year students took on the Malvern Hills and second year students braved Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons.
UPS students reached the top of their respective peaks!
The Malvern Hills is the Worcestershire Beacon which stands at 425 metre (1394 feet) above sea level and Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales and the highest point in the Brecon Beacons standing at 886m (2907 feet) high.
First year students benefited from a crisp clear day for their ascent whereas second years had the added challenge of mist and rain, but both groups reached the summit with smiles on their faces.
Lecturer, Oli Wilkins, describes the benefits of the trips: “It allows students to develop their teamwork, leadership, communication and navigation skills which links to their units of study. They are great excursions for the students, and the two trips show progression: first year’s tackle hills, second years tackle mountains!”
Second year student Josh Wilkins found the trip extremely beneficial: “I really enjoyed the trip to the Brecon Beacons. It was a great opportunity to get outdoors, challenge myself and develop some important practical skills.
We got to practise our hiking and navigation skills, working together as a team to navigate the terrain and overcome different challenges. Some of the activities included a casualty simulation and a river crossing, which really tested our communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills.
My favourite part was definitely the practical team exercises, particularly the casualty simulation and river crossing, as they pushed us outside our comfort zones and required everyone to work together. I enjoy being outdoors and taking on physical challenges, so it was a really rewarding experience. It also gave me a greater appreciation of the importance of teamwork, adaptability and staying composed in unfamiliar situations.”
Check out some pictures from their trips!
The students have a range of trips and excursions throughout their course, offering insight into career options, chances to build and develop skills and to challenge themselves.
