17 Sixth Form and Key Stage 4 students met with our community police officer, PC Baxter, to discuss careers in the Police Force. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the real-life nature of policing from a serving officer, and to ask about routes into the service.
PC Baxter gave information on a huge range of aspects of the police service: from dog handling to the marine unit; detective and intelligence roles; firearms squads; and high-risk safeguarding teams. He also outlined the sorts of activities a police officer might carry out: from investigating shoplifting, to smashing drug rings, to training on mental health and human rights law.
The students listening are very interested in entering the police force, and impressed PC Baxter with the quality of their questions and what they have already researched about entry routes. His main recommendations were therefore to get experience by joining Police Cadets, or – if taking the university route – to apply to join the Specials. He also advised that, while policing needs team players, it is also highly competitive to get into, so anyone applying needs to stand out. For this, he highlighted the importance of good grades at GCSE and developing leadership skills through taking on responsibilities in school, clubs and the community.
The session was helpful and inspiring and we are very grateful to PC Baxter for his time. We are also glad we can provide such tailored Personal Development sessions to support our students in their steps beyond Bede. We certainly have some fantastic future officers in our midst, with the character to keep our community safe and well.
Challenged to Work Well – Year 12
The step up to Sixth Form study is always a challenge and at about this time each year, Year 12 students begin to see the size of the leap they are making. This can be daunting, but in their PD session today, Dr. Sams talked them through the psychology behind what they might be feeling, and offered reassurance that they are not the first to feel it. With a clear explanation of the ‘change curve’ and testimony from students who have ridden this roller-coaster to great success in the past, Dr. Sams made sure everyone knew they are definitely not alone and with the right attitude will make the most every aspect of Bede.
