OZBOX

Over the last few weeks the Public Services First Diploma students have been participating in a number of Ozbox sessions in conjunction with Derbyshire Police.

Ozbox is a concept that came into being around 6 years ago. Detective Inspector Steve Ozbalderson from Chesterfield Police was inspired to develop a scheme aimed especially at youths between the ages of 12 to 19 years. Both male and females who are involved in crime or anti-social behaviour or those spiralling towards it are encouraged to take part. It also encourages participants from family and school groups from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

It was with this in mind that the First Diploma students stepped into the ring. The sessions are structured over a period of 2 hours in which time the students conduct full warm up and pulse raiser activities, followed by circuits, bag work and non contact boxing drills. The learners achieve a lot, not only with regard to physical preparation but also personal development, discipline, and a sense of achievement, as well as experiencing first hand, an effective anti crime initiative delivered by Steve and his team in their own unique style.

For the learners Ozbox is more than just another fitness session, it is the opportunity to push themselves in and unfamiliar environment with the possibility of gaining an ABAE (Amateur Boxing Association England )Qualification which will enable them to become involved in volunteering activities with Ozbox and outreach work within the community. 

In the beginning …….

Back in the mists of time (September 2010) two groups of students arrived at Chesterfield College to begin their learning journey on the path to preparing themselves for a career in one of the Uniformed Public Services. Having successfully gained a place on the First Diploma via interviews, taster sessions, information evenings and GCSE results the time had come to get down to business.

The initial stages of the course were about extended induction, allowing the staff to look at the students further and for the students to gauge their own suitability for the course and to see if they had made the ‘right choice’.

This initial phase culminated in a 2 day extended induction residential at Linnet Clough on the outskirts of the Peak District, where mind, muscle, and motivation were tested, not to mention sense of humour!

Find out in more detail what the students got up to here:  http://linnet2010ups.blogspot.com/

All the students gained valuable skills out of this experience and the die was cast for a cohesive group of motivated individuals to move forward on their learning journey.

Forward as one!