Students gain confidence and emergency-response skills at Corby Fire Station
Corby pupils learn about safety and teamwork in action-packed programme
Ten students from a Corby secondary school have taken part in a fire service programme aimed at helping young people build confidence and develop practical life skills.
Year 8 pupils from Kingswood Secondary Academy spent three days at Corby Fire Station as part of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service's Action, Reaction and Consequence (ARC) course.
Run by the fire service's Prevention Team, the programme combines classroom learning with hands-on activities designed to teach safety awareness, teamwork and resilience.
During the course, students learned about fire, water and road safety, including the risks associated with charging e-scooters, e-bikes and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.
They were also given the chance to take part in practical exercises, including water rescue techniques using throwlines and firefighting exercises involving hose reels and ladders.
The pupils received basic first-aid training, learning how to manage bleeding and perform CPR, skills which could prove vital in an emergency.
Michelle Bates, Youth Engagement Officer at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the programme helps young people develop important skills in a supportive environment.
"The ARC course gives us the opportunity to engage with young people at an early stage, with activities that are designed to help them grow in confidence and develop important skills," she said.
"It is great to see the students learning, improving their knowledge of risks, learning how to work as a team – all while having fun."
Kingswood Secondary Academy said the course helped students develop resilience, confidence and a sense of pride in their achievements.
Parents also praised the programme, saying their children enjoyed every session and looked forward to each day of the course.
One student who took part described it as "a great experience".
"The group activities were awesome and the things I got to learn will be beneficial if anything ever happened," they said.