On Thursday 18th September, eight of our Year 7 & 8 students put their brains, brawn, and teamwork to the test at the Annual Police Competency Simulation Test (PCT) at Balclutha’s Cross Recreation Centre. This annual event challenges intermediate students with a mix of mental and physical tasks and it’s the very same fitness test future police recruits must complete solo in under three minutes to join the NZ Police College. Even frontline officers redo it every two years to stay sharp.

Our students split into two 4-person squads, ready to chase the Lis Bartlett Trophy under Mrs Bichan’s watchful eye. Harry McDougall, Harry Lietze, Mika Nakajima, and Haley Jarvis teamed up, while Maggie Bradfield, Indie Parkes, Riley Nish, and Luke Affleck took on the challenges together. Teamwork was the name of the game as they tackled trailer-pushing, wall-climbing, zigzag sprints, balancing on beams, and even lugging a hefty ‘body bag’.

A huge shout-out to both teams for diving in headfirst. While we await the results from the time trial, we know they all gave it their absolute best. A big thank you to the local police staff and Sport Clutha for organising this fantastic, action-packed experience for our students, it’s definitely one for the books!