Year 10 & 11 Students Explore Careers in Policing
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Eighteen students from Gordano School’s Year 10 and 11 Uniformed Protective Services course recently enjoyed an exciting and informative day at Avon & Somerset Police Headquarters in Portishead and the Blackrock training centre. The visit offered a unique insight into the wide range of roles within the police service and the advanced communication systems that support their work.
At Police HQ, students received an in-depth presentation from the 999 call handling and dispatch team. They learned that the role involves far more than simply answering emergency calls—it requires quick thinking, multitasking, and a high level of responsibility. Students toured the call centre, which had already handled nearly 200 calls that morning, and observed how calls are logged, monitored, and coordinated with officers on the ground.
The experience continued at Blackrock, where students explored the firearms training facilities. They observed taser drills and scenarios designed to ensure firearms are only ever used as a last resort. Students visited the armoury to see the latest equipment and learned about the rigorous training firearms officers undergo, which combines practical skills with classroom sessions on ethics, values, and decision-making.
In the afternoon, students met the police dog unit and discovered how Spaniels and Alsatians are trained for search and suspect apprehension. They also spent time with the drone team, learning how this technology supports modern policing. A highlight of the day was meeting a Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officer (CTSFO), who demonstrated specialist equipment and shared insights into working alongside MI5 and other agencies. Impressively, one CTSFO officer was a former Gordano student!
Teacher of Uniformed Services Mr Reddrop said, “This was an incredible opportunity for our students to see the breadth of careers in policing. It really brought their classroom learning to life and showed them the values and responsibilities that come with these roles.”
A huge thank you to all the Avon & Somerset Police staff at HQ and Blackrock who gave their time and expertise to make this day so valuable and memorable for our students. Your support and insights were greatly appreciated!
The visit gave students a fascinating glimpse into the breadth of careers available within the police service. It was an inspiring day that left them with a deeper understanding of the skills, responsibilities, and values required to serve and protect the community.
