This course combines both a practical and theoretical approach to understand how the uniformed public services (army, police, fire service, coastguard, prison service etc) operate. Learners complete written projects and assignments that are based on realistic, workplace situations and scenarios, as well as many practical activities and problem solving demands.

Problem solving skills, the ability to work as part of a team, communication skills, personal fitness and interpersonal skills should all be enhanced through taking this course. All pupils participate in the Army Challenge Day for Schools at Shorncliffe Barracks in the first year of the course and an outdoor pursuits week during the second year.

 All students complete the following three units:

• Public service employment
• Public service skills
• Public service fitness

There are also the following specialist units:

• Citizenship, the individual and society
• Public service workplace welfare
• Adventurous activities and teamwork for the public services
• The value of sport and recreation in the public services
• Land navigation by map and compass
• Law and its impact on the individual
• Crime and its impact on the individual
• Community and cultural awareness
• Driving and its relationship to the public services
• Expedition skills
• Fundamentals of nautical studies

The course is recognised nationally and accepted as equivalent to four A* - C GCSE grades.