This term a group of students have been participating in ‘Challenger Troop.’ ‘Challenger Troop’s programmes are built upon a foundation of core values and standards inspired by the British Army.’ Most of the sessions are at Highstead Training Centre in Sittingbourne. On the first session they were issued with a uniform, camouflage combat trousers, a fleece top and boots. They did some fitness base line assessments and learned the basic commands and how to stand and turn.

The next session was at Capstone Country Park in Chatham. It was all about fitness including running up and down a field with big hills on each side and doing press-ups, squats, burpees and star jumps at the top of each hill.

Back at the Sittingbourne base they have so far done some field craft, personal safety, firstaid survival skills and navigating. There is the potential to gain some qualifications at the end of the twelve weeks.