They have been on a seven-day endurance test, taking on the Brecon Beacons to put their skills to the ultimate challenge as part of the protective services course at Barking and Dagenham College.
The outdoor activities included climbing up a cliff face were aimed at connecting with the skills training back at college — getting to grips with land navigation, leadership and communication.
First-year student Emilia Marszalek took to climbing as part of her endurance test, something which “looked intimidating and challenging”.
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But she was determined and had been motivated by her team to keep climbing.
“This has really pushed me to face my fears,” she admitted.
“But I would happily do it again — it’s satisfying to get back down and see just how high up you’ve climbed.”
Activities for first year students included abseiling and caving as well as scaling a cliff face, then a challenging two-day expedition.
Protective services curriculum manager Gwen Edwards said: “The trip has taken them out of their comfort zones to build their confidence.
“It has made them put the skills they’ve been learning in college to the test in an outdoor environment.
“They showed resilience and enthusiasm, to make the most of their skills.
“It’s been a valuable learning experience that will help their careers in protective services.”
Students in their second year also took to the water with canoeing, paddles in hand, facing their own two-day expedition along the River Wye to help develop leadership and teamwork skills.
They also completed a two-day camp with rifle shooting, archery, a high ropes team challenge and kayaking.
The college runs higher level technical and professional training at five specialist sites including the main Rush Green campus, from entry to level 7, preparing students for work or university.
Its industry-standard facilities are used alongside real-work training environments including endurance trips to places like the Brecon Beacons.
