However, they took on a different rival in Singleton High School students at the Lake Liddell Recreation Area on Wednesday.

Flying the flag for their towns, pupils used the knowledge they had learned over the two-term program to race against the clock and their competitors.

A range of challenges including five person fog attack, a standpipe and hose event, and a water transfer and knapsack event, tested their skill and teamwork.

Muswellbrook High School teacher Holly Currie said the participants seemed to love the program.

“I think they are definitely learning new teamwork skills,” she said.

“It brings a sense of achievement at the end of the lesson; it can be quite challenging [but also] quite rewarding.”

NSW RFS Hunter Valley Team mitigation officer and event coordinator Keith Lobb said while the SSCP wasn’t a recruitment program, it did aim to develop an interest in the RFS.

The SSCP also endeavours to encourage leadership skills, fire safety and preparedness, among other numerous resulting benefits.

The program will finish next week and be followed by a graduation ceremony.