Secondary school pupils complete brand-new fire safety course

Monday, 29 November 2021 22:45

A group of ten secondary school pupils have successfully completed a three-week course with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

The students were the first to take on the service’s brand-new GRIT programme, aimed to equip students with valuable life skills.

The pupils, all from Selsey Academy, got an insight into life as a firefighter as they practiced working as a team through hose running, ladder climbing and road traffic collision training.

Health and wellbeing also featured heavily as the students learnt how to perform CPR, as well as the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.

The busy three weeks then culminated in a Pass Out Parade on Friday (26 November), where the pupils demonstrated their new skills in front of family, friends and the High Sheriff of West Sussex.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mark Andrews, presented the students with certificates at their Pass Out Parade. Speaking of their achievements, he said: “It is no understatement to say that the past three weeks have been challenging, but the students have worked together to complete the Pass Out Parade with flying colours.

“I hope those who have taken part in the programme are able to take the skills they have learnt through GRIT and embed them into their everyday lives.

“The students have all proved that they can work brilliantly as a team and are passionate about supporting their local communities, and with those attributes they would all make phenomenal firefighters. I hope to see them back with us in years to come.”

GRIT was piloted by the service’s Targeted Education Team, working in partnership with Selsey Academy. The course was named to symbolise resilience.

More from Sussex and Hampshire News

UPDATE: Gatwick Airport passengers face delays due to nationwide border issue

There's major issues at some of the UK's airports tonight as some of the systems have gone down used to process passengers.
CCTV images released in connection with Fareham robbery

Do you recognise these three people?
Investigations possible for Uckfield to Lewes cycle route

A former railway line in Sussex may have a future as a cycle route, if proposals gain the go ahead from council leaders.
Plans for Baker Barracks in Thorney Island

Plans to set up modular accommodation for 120 people at Baker Barracks in Thorney Island have been submitted to Chichester District Council.
Chichester theatre bandstand to be used all year round

Plans for Chichester Festival Theatre to use its bandstand all year round have been approved by the district council.
University of Brighton selected to pilot new teacher degree apprenticeship scheme

There’s a boost for education on the South Coast as the University of Brighton is selected as one of only eight providers in England to deliver a new undergraduate Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.
Appeal following motorbike theft in Rudgwick

Police are appealing for witnesses following a motorbike theft in Rudgwick.
Witness appeal following serious assault in Portsmouth

A man in his 40’s has been seriously assaulted in Portsmouth.
Funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery support Chichester-based charity for fourth year

£400,000 of funds have been raised by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, and thousands of Congolese refugee children in Uganda will now be able to access the education they need for the best start in life.
Angel’s club in Worthing faces licence review

Angel’s Bar and Club in Worthing is to have its alcohol licence reviewed. The review will be heard before Worthing Borough Council’s licensing and control sub-committee B, which will meet at 6.30pm on Wednesday, May 8, at Worthing Town Hall.