OAKWOOD COURT Specialist College had a visit from the Boys in Blue recently, but happily they weren’t there to check up on any wrongdoings.

The Dawlish community policing team were there to explain to students the work Devon And Cornwall Police do.

The police team of Michelle, Gary, Adrian and Mark showed students around their van, and the equipment they use. They also demonstrated some of the gear they carry on their uniform and let them try on coats and helmets.

Charlotte Weaver, Oakwood Court College’s marketing manager, said: ‘The police team gave a brief overview on what it is to be a police officer and the students asked a lot of questions. It gave the students a real insight into the work and they were very interested.

‘Some are now keen to become PCSOs.’ Oakwood is a Specialist College where young people achieve amazing things, supported by a team of dedicated, caring and committed staff.

Charlotte explained: ‘We celebrate the diversity of every individual in our college community and work hard to ensure that learners enjoy a blend of happy, creative and positive learning opportunities and achieve stretching targets that enable them to progress on to their next steps after college.’

The visit came in advance of National Apprentice Week, and the college actively encourages its students to go out into the workplace. The placements help the students build confidence and gin independence.

Currently the college is liaising with construction company Taylor Wimpey.

‘They are providing lots of opportunities,’ Charlotte said. ‘Students will be able to carry out roles in administration and on the construction site itself.’

‘Preparing for the next steps is really what college life is all about, and our varied curriculum and fantastic enrichment opportunities are designed to ensure that everyone realises their potential.

‘We are proud of our excellent opportunities for work experience which are a key feature of study programmes, and of the progress our learners make through the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme – all firmly focused on personal development and empowerment.

‘We are particularly proud of our therapeutically informed approach to learning, using strategies across the college, complemented by specialist input from our excellent multi-disciplinary team including Speech and Language Therapy and Counselling. You cannot fail to feel the energy, positivity and warmth when you arrive at Oakwood.’