Article courtesy of The West Australian. Photo by Michael O'Brien (The West Australian)

A group of high school students got a taste of what it is like to be a police recruit yesterday, with Year 10s and Year 11s facing the punishing Joondalup Police Academy obstacle course.

The Clarkson Community High School students were the first to take part in the new three-year Resiliency Partnership program that gives students the chance to train with the recruits each week to improve their fitness and motivation.

Academy trainers led the students through a series of gruelling exercises as well as mock shooting practice in the academy's interactive tactical training simulator - normally off limits to the public.

Police physical training officer Shane Wood said the program led the students to realise their potential, which they could then apply to their careers.
"It is good to put people through their paces and see what they can accomplish," he said. "It was a challenge, but as they've gone through the sessions they just get better and better."

CCHS Year 10 student Hadiqa Khan said the program had led many of her classmates to consider careers in the police service.

"You'd never expect something like this as a part of school," she said. "It's a great head start for people who have a passion for becoming a police officer."
CCHS deputy principal Justine McNaught-Conroy said the program had been a surprising success, with even numbers of boys and girls participating.