Additional Learner Comments to Follow soon ?
Leaner Comment 2nd Yr National
Everyone gains different things from the residential experience; without doubt the practical skills are a big hit with everyone in my year.
There are many things that cannot be achieved in the class room environment. Teamwork, discipline and specific skills like the techniques that are required when climbing.
When outdoor we can be focus on the practical activities, which improves our teamwork because, in the outdoor environment we are close knit group and have to learn to get on with each other, this cannot be done in class when you know soon you will be going home.
When on residential individuals discipline improves and they listen to instruction. As they realise the importance of activity safety briefings, which tell them of the dangers and risks, in the outdoor environment they listen in and take note throughout the day and night.
I personally have improved in many areas through being away on residential, particularly teamwork, leadership, navigation, organisation and discipline through both the Army Cadets and College.
I feel it is a huge benefit to get out of the classroom and do things practically, rather than being cooped up inside in a classroom, as when you are out you get the real feel for what you are doing.
In a classroom you can’t fully understand what it is like to be up a mountain navigating or on a lake canoeing, you might have the theory elements in your head but you need to be out for the practical elements.
Grant Weller
2nd Year
National Diploma
Uniformed Public Services
Leaner Comment 2nd Yr National
Everyone gains different things from the residential experience; without doubt the practical skills are a big hit with everyone in my year.
There are many things that cannot be achieved in the class room environment. Teamwork, discipline and specific skills like the techniques that are required when climbing.
When outdoor we can be focus on the practical activities, which improves our teamwork because, in the outdoor environment we are close knit group and have to learn to get on with each other, this cannot be done in class when you know soon you will be going home.
When on residential individuals discipline improves and they listen to instruction. As they realise the importance of activity safety briefings, which tell them of the dangers and risks, in the outdoor environment they listen in and take note throughout the day and night.
I personally have improved in many areas through being away on residential, particularly teamwork, leadership, navigation, organisation and discipline through both the Army Cadets and College.
I feel it is a huge benefit to get out of the classroom and do things practically, rather than being cooped up inside in a classroom, as when you are out you get the real feel for what you are doing.
In a classroom you can’t fully understand what it is like to be up a mountain navigating or on a lake canoeing, you might have the theory elements in your head but you need to be out for the practical elements.
Grant Weller
2nd Year
National Diploma
Uniformed Public Services
Leaner Comment 2nd Yr National
Due to rising costs we were recently asked by our tutor if we felt that it was necessary to get out of college and learn out in the field instead of the classroom. The following is my thoughts and feelings.
Adventure training and the residential experiences make the Chesterfield College Uniformed Public Service Course a unique and exciting learning experience. Without the skills and work experience that we gain from residential and AT activities, the course would just be another study and write orientated public services course, like those offered by Mansfield and Worksop colleges.
When we are away on trips and public service events we stand out from the rest, the organizers often comment that we are one of the best that they have seen or have worked with.
I feel that the residential is of vital importance to our personal development. The experience that we get from being away far from home is second to none. Each day we experience new things, and are always pushing ourselves to the limits to reaching levels we never thought possible.
The further we travel the better the experience, its no use travelling 10 miles down the road to stop in some local centre, as then the whole value of the residential would be lost. You need that feeling that you are far away from home and it’s up to you to look after yourself. If you know your mum is just up the road, some learners would be making a quick phone call, when as soon as things start to get a little bit difficult, or when they find themselves outside of their comfort zone. Whereas when you are 100 + miles away people dig a bit deeper and stick it out.
I joined the course because I wanted to join a service, I have now applied to join the RAF, it was clear at my first interview that skills that I had gained from college residential visits were what the services were looking for.
Learning stuff in a classroom is necessary and meaningful but with regard to gaining work related and leadership experience the residential is a clear winner for me. For example when we were studying communications and technology, we learned all about how radio communications work and how to rectify communication problems.
However the truth is, when I was out working practically with the radios, on an exercise where radio communication was part of our daily task, I truly understood the voice procedure and how by getting in the right position I could improve the signal. Without ever being out on the ground and experiencing a failure in radio communications, I would never have understood it in the same way. You learn things when you are away that can’t possibly be taught in a classroom based environment.
Most of us on the UPS course find that we get better results when work in a practical setting. The residential visits which are run with our own qualified and experienced staff are invaluable, we learn more in a week than several months in college. When you are away from home, you feel more focused and are inspired by the setting and work like atmosphere.
Johnathon Whitham.
2nd Year National UPSLearner Comment NCFE
What was I expecting Llanbedr to be like?
I thought it would be an easy few days for me and just the odd bit of exercise.
What was it like for you?
I had a great time at Llanbedr and it was very exciting, I'd love to go again or to Linnet clough next year.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learnt that I am capable to work with others without falling out and how to achieve my goals by not giving up. I also learnt that I am able to work in a kitchen and work well as a team on the high ropes.
Have you changed since attending Llanbedr?
My Attitude has changed towards public services since Llanbedr because I now know more of what the services are looking for in an individual person. I haven’t really changed much since I left, but I just now know what to expect of on this course.
Reflect on your learning and experiences from Llanbedr.
I am glad that I did well on the high ropes because I managed to get to the top. I also felt really good going first on the leap of faith. canoeing was also really good I learnt how to flip the boat with a partner.
Daniel Fellows
NCFE
Learner Comment
Coming to Llanbedr has changed me; before I came to Llanbedr I was lazy and had no confidence. But since I have been here a week I have started to become more independent and confident. I have learnt lots of new skills such as map reading. I learn about pacing and how to use the map and compass properly. I am extremely proud of myself as I have gained my bronze navigation award today. I have learnt a lot about discipline and uniformed service routines. We have had room inspections every day and had to clean the kitchens toilets and bedrooms.
In order to get this done in time we have had to work together as a team. I feel that this camp is good because you learn new skills and also teaches you things that will help me when I join my chosen service, the things that i have learnt will also help me in civilian life as well.
Llanbedr is good because we have been away from our normal life's and have had to do things for our self instead of our parents doing everything for us. I don't have to do much chores at home were as here at Llanbedr I have done cleaning, cooking, looking after kit, getting things prepared for the next days activities and if that wasn't enough I have also participated in activities such as canoeing, high ropes, walking and navigation.
I have learnt how to be confident in who I am and how to commit myself to a given task. Doing the high ropes I felt really scared at first but the rest of my group shouted at me and gave me the confidence to get to the top. In order to get to the top we had to pull each other up the various poles the gaps got bigger and bigger the higher up we went. Once at the top i felt extremely proud of myself and my team all manage to get to the top were as other groups didn't get that far. The staffs at Llanbedr were very helpful and will push you to do everything even when at times you want to give up.
Levi Curtis
NCFE
