Following in the footsteps of Bear Grylls and Ray Mears, Coleg Gwent students have been demonstrating their own survival skills in the great outdoors.
Welsh Baccalaureate and A Level students from Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus researched survival techniques before spending a day at Allt-yr-yn Nature Reserve with Countryside Ranger and ex-Royal Marine Commando, Marc Benson.
To put their new skills into practice, students focussed on the three basic rules of survival, demonstrating how to construct two basic types of shelter, making fire using primitive methods and purifying and filtering water.
The group took the rough-and-ready conditions in their stride, impressing Countryside Ranger Marc Benson, he said: “Every one of them showed good subject knowledge, and gave 110% effort. The groups’ determination to succeed in what were very difficult tasks was outstanding.”
The experience formed part of the Essential Skills Programme, which develops communication, team working and decision-making skills. Tutor Julie Benson said: “It was fantastic to see the students achieve such success and work so well as a team. I am very proud of them.”
