All our pupils in Year 11 or Year 12 will be given the opportunity to sign up to NCS (National Citizen Service), a government-funded programme for 15-17 year olds. Working through physical, personal and creative challenges, this once-in-a-lifetime experience empowers young people to build skills and confidence to get ahead in work and life, whilst engaging with their local area.

The Challenge, the country’s largest provider of NCS, is delivered 16,350 places in London in Summer 2015. It is a part-residential programme which begins with 3 parts that take place over 14 days in the summer, with breaks. The first two parts are residential, with all meals, kit and accommodation provided. First, teams develop their leadership and teamwork skills by working with some of the best outdoor instructors in the UK, enabling them to create friendships and build confidence. After a short break, young people return for part two where they stay in university style accommodation and gain new skills in an area they are passionate about. Finally, teams have the unique opportunity to design, pitch and deliver their own social action project. Then they graduate, receive a signed certificate from the Prime Minister and join the graduate programme, The Challenge Society.

Representatives from NCS with The Challenge will be speaking at a Year 11 assembly at the school in January, during which your child will have the opportunity to express their interest in the programme.

For more information, visit  http://www.ncsthechallenge.org. You will be able to book your place on the website from January.

We highly recommend this unique and valuable opportunity and we encourage you to take part!