Two Year Ten students spent a week with the Fire Service at Halstead Fire Station as part of the groundbreaking Firebreak course. 

The course, supported by Braintree district council and run by Essex Fire and Rescue Service combines practical challenges with classroom based learning designed to improve self discipline, responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

George Barton and Tom Childs were selected to attend the course because it was felt that they would gain a great deal from the experience, and this was borne out by their overwhelmingly positive response. They learnt a series of standard Fire Service routines and drills, including dealing with fires, casualties and rescues. At their Passing Out Parade all of these routines and skills were shown in a highly choreographed demonstration. It was clear from the demonstration that the students had learnt a great deal, were taking the experience very seriously and were keen to impress the watching crowd of parents, dignitaries and fire crews.

Both Tom and George enjoyed the experience so much that they hope to be selected to join an eighteen week course later in the year.