Students take on the Coast-to-Coast Challenge

Protective Services students at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) undertook a Coast-to-Coast Challenge on the 10th–12th May, where they cycled from one coast of England to the other as part of the ‘Expedition’ unit of their course.

A group of 19 students left their home comforts behind, setting off from St. Bees on the Cumbrian coast on Wednesday 10th of May to cycle 204km in three days on the popular coast to coast route.

As part of their course, Protective Services students planned their own expedition, breaking the route down into three sections, one per day, each covering more than 50Km. The team set up their tents and camped overnight at the end of each challenging day, concluding the trip in Sunderland on the North East Coast.

The students’ organisational, fitness and navigational skills were tested, both during the expedition and in training, as they practiced their cycling skills at Rosliston Forestry Centre in preparation for the three-day mission.

Burton and South Derbyshire College’s Protective Services courses give students the skills and qualities needed to be an effective member of the protective services, including the police, fire, ambulance, prison and military services. The College’s partnerships with local services ensure students are gaining real world experience that will be required for success in their future careers.

Protective Services Lecturer, Rob Stevenson said: “Our learners did an amazing job, battling the elements to reach their goal. We had a lot of cold and wet weather to contend with, but learners showed great endurance and resilience to complete the challenge. The Coast-to-Coast challenge is a great opportunity for learners to put their fitness and navigational skills to the test. It gives students the chance to put the skills they have been learning on their course into practice and is a unique experience.”