Page 145 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

The JSSERI is a Phase 3 training establishment which qualifies up to 40 Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors annually from the RAPTC, RAF, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
The ‘old normal’ involved students attending the six-month course delivered at JSSERI. This academic journey encompasses a four- week foundation module, followed by three specific modules designed to expose students to clinical anatomy, kinesiology and exercise therapy techniques, focusing on the lower limbs, spine and upper limb. Each module is followed by a three-week clinical work placement.
In January 2020, 19 students from Course 61 commenced training at the JSSERI in preparation to qualify as JSSERI’s, and to be the first course to undertake the associated Level 6 qualification in Defence Exercise Rehabilitation awarded from Birmingham City University (BCU).
All was going to plan until March 2020 where, following several vigorous planning meetings, a full pause was applied to training delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All 19 students completed the lower limb module and associated placement and then returned to their home locations to await further direction. This was announced later in the week as a national lockdown.
During the training delivery pause, JSSERI staff attended several online BCU courses to upskill and develop the capacity to deliver training exclusively online. Staff modified the course material and developed content for online delivery. Multiple remote delivery platforms such as Defence Connect, MS Teams and the University Moodle platform were used to best effect.
The ‘new normal’ consisted of Course 61 being split and taught as two courses; 61A and 61B. This was to minimise attendance at DMRC to comply with local IPC guidelines. The first week of the remaining modules were delivered to all students online, followed by staggered practical delivery and assessments onsite.
All 19 members of Course 61 successfully completed the course and graduated virtually on the 3 Dec 20. All students had satisfied the requirements for the Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Defence Exercise Rehabilitation which will be presented at the BCU graduation (COVID-19 permitting) – in summer 2021.
To ensure training continued, the JSSERI staff worked tirelessly to upskill themselves and ensure students continued to receive a high standard of tuition. This was recognised with the JSSERI team (including the outgoing TWO, Capt (MAA) Arthur RAPTC) being awarded a 3-Star Commendation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours
‘The Old Norm’.
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JOINT SERVICE SCHOOL FOR EXERCISE REHABILITATION INSTRUCTORS (JSSERI) STANFORD HALL
WO2 (QMSI) D Brown MSc RAPTC
List for facilitating the Level 6 accreditation with BCU. The Army Tutor was awarded the RAPTC Association Loane Trophy Award 2020 and the Defence Medical Academy Commandant’s Coin for services to Exercise Rehabilitation.
The RAPTC currently fulfils two significant appointments within JSSERI. The Training Warrant Officer (TWO) is currently held by WO1 (SMI) Craig RAPTC; who hit the ground running, taking up post in a COVID-19 turbulent time. As the course manager, the appointment is responsible for design, management and facilitation of the six-month training programme in addition to constructing the university electronic learning platforms for each course.
The second appointment is the Army Tutor which requires the individual to have achieved a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in an area of sports science (and ideally undertaking studies towards an MSc in a similar area). The role is responsible for the implementation of the latest research and delivery of Exercise Therapy across all modules. Both the TWO and Army Tutor appointments are afforded the opportunity to undertake a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) during the tour of duty.
On a personal note; my Army Tutor tenure is sadly at an end. However, the excitement that comes with new challenges and opportunities is upon me, as I prepare to take up the appointment of SMI at AFC Harrogate. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience JSSERI has provided and would highly recommend the role. In terms of training delivery and supporting sS Physical Training Organisations, this small team punches well above its weight and provides ample development opportunities for any RAPTCI.
‘The New Norm’ OSCE’s
‘The New Norm’ Senior Tutor demonstrates clearing the hip