Options for DS who wants to be a firefighter

[friendlymum67]

DS is in the process of choosing his options with the intention of hopefully entering the fire service. Does anyone have advice as to what options he should be considering. He is not particularly academically minded and the fact that they now have to stay in education until 18 is, I fear going to prove problematic!

I would look at PE as one option as fitness and team work are both requirements.

My DB considered joining the fire brigade but failed on the eyesight test even though he didn't need glasses so its worth getting his eyes checked if you haven't already.

www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/eyesight

the fact that they have to stay in education or training until 18 shouldn't put you off. A level 3 btec in uniformed public services is designed for those going into the police, army or emergency services. Lots of colleges run it, see here for one

As for gcse options, I'd stick to a broad range - you never know he could change his mind so I would avoid specialising too early

Citizenship is a good option if schhol does it and Maths and English at L2/ grade c is a must.

If he's not academic, maybe something practical, like a DT subject, is worth considering? Agree that PE sounds worthwhile.
A broad spread is always a good idea, but you can give it a practical slant.

Our local FE college run what they call a 999 academy for those wanting to go into the emergency services. You could see if yours do similar and find out what the entrance requirements are.

Our local college runs a fab public services course at 16+. It is for those thinking of police/fire/army/navy etc. I know a few people with DC who have done it and loved it. My good friend's son was transformed from a very rebellious boy who just wasn't academic to someone who thrives on the strict authority on the course is asking my DF to check his homework, irons his uniform each evening and never steps out of line, he absolutely loves it and plans to go into the fire service.

Is your DS in year 9 or 11?
Yes agree for GCSE results PE, Maths and English, basic science, DT, citizenship

Great to hear of a parent being so realistic, maybe it is the area I am from but all too often hear parents expecting their DC to be getting A levels and going onto Uni when their DC just aren't that level. All about the balance between an achievable goal and not destroying his self esteem by still reminding him he can achieve his best and get a great career.

I would look at PE or maths and sciences, there's a lot of science and maths involved.

I did an early incarnation of the public services courses and they really vary as to their focus and for overall employability I would avoid them!

Our school does a public services gcse too and double pe. It would be good if he was in adventure scouts/doing duke of edinburgh awards/similar stuff too.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I thought this video might amuse and cheer you and your son. It's a lecture from a well known speaker about how the education system tends to devalue certain interests and skills. He mentions a young man whose teacher didn't have much respect for his ambition of being a firefighter, and how the teacher came to change his mind about that!

www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution.html

The firefighter story is 9:30 in.

eatyourveg got there first.

It's an excelent course. There is the academic side to get into uni if you want but also lots of PT.

The students normally have to wear uniform for college (similar to the army) and refer to teachers/lectures as ma'am and sir.

For GCSE he needs English and maths and three others, it doesn't really matter what.

I have two young relatives in the fire Service. They love it. Both took core GCSEs and broadly balanced 'choices'. One centred on the arts as he is a semi-professional musician (fire service gives him the opportunity to remain involved), but did not continue education after A levels and the other did a sports related degree. Common sense, a certain stoicism and emotional maturity seem important as they seem to have to put up with some very distressing behaviour from some of the public - prank calls with ambushes laying in wait for the fire truck etc.

I think Duke of Edinburgh would be a fantastic thing to do in preparation.

They do not have to stay in education until 18. They must stay in education or training - apprenticeships are an excellent way for 16 year olds who don't like school to get their first taste of work. He could do one that leads to a qualification he enjoys or do Public Service BTEC at college (excellent course that many students take who want to enter police, fire service etc).