IT was hardly Full Metal Jacket but the army still had the Palmer’s College students going through their paces at their annual day at the college.
First year students at Palmer’s College experienced an intensive and action-packed three days of team building with the help of the local Army.
Over 160 first year students on BTEC Sport and Business courses were taken through their paces in a range of outdoor physical activities to test out their team building skills.
Students participated in assault courses, listening and observation tasks and competitive problem solving tasks.
A number of army soldiers from the Merville Barracks in Colchester were at Palmer’s to test the mental and physical abilities of the students when under pressure as well as seeing how they responded to discipline via a selection of personal development activities.
Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: “These three days have been designed to allow students to get to know their new classmates and build friendships and confidence, whilst providing an excellent opportunity for staff to see the students interacting outside of the classroom in a range of mental and physical tasks.”
He added: “It’s a great opportunity for our new students to build their team working skills and is an essential skill in and out of College.”
Around 45 students will also be heading to the Garrison Barracks in Colchester in December to gain an insight into Army fitness training.
This looks great fun to me. Running about, keeping fit, playing with guns and vehicles. They only shout softly at this stage. It’s only when you sign up that the beatings and the bullying starts. Then it’s off to jolly old Afghanistan for six months.
They have a piece of hot shrapnel just the shape of your neck waiting. Then it’s a nice quiet trip home in a box. The neighbours will be proud.