Kendal College students graduate from National Citizen Service

Students from Kendal College attended a special event on 15th December 2014 to celebrate successfully graduating from a government initiative.

NCS Graduates from Kendal College

NCS Graduates from Kendal College

Delivered in partnership with Inspira, the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme has challenged the group of 16 and 17 year old students to work together with people from different backgrounds by taking part in a range of activities.

From archery, climbing, an overnight expedition and residential adventure centre with the Kepplewray Trust, to classroom sessions developing their understanding of voting, democracy, and personal finance, the students have gained valuable life experience and skills as part of the programme.

This is the second year that Kendal College has been involved in the National Citizen Service, which has seen 14 students from Outdoor Adventure and Creative Media come together to graduate.

Johnny Holroyd, 16, from Kirkby Stephen, is an Outdoor Adventure student at Kendal College.  He said: “I learnt valuable life and team skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  The whole thing was ‘hands on’ learning, which is my favourite way to learn.  It was informative, adventurous and exciting.”

Steve Randles, Tutor and Assessor of Outdoor Adventure subjects at Kendal College said: “The NCS programme has been a great success with the students developing self-confidence and leadership skills through challenging activities. I have seen the build-up of teamwork and communication skills across both the year groups; enhancing their ability to work together within the classroom environment at college.”

As part of the NCS programme, the students worked together to design and deliver a number of social action projects in the local community, including one with the National Trust High Wray Base Camp.

Rob Clarke, Base Camp Community Ranger at the National Trust, said: “We really valued the work we did with Kendal College’s environmental students, as it’s a brilliant opportunity to help them understand a little about the work that goes into looking after the countryside. As well as spreading the word about the work we do, the students also gain extra knowledge that could potentially give them a little bit extra to offer future employers.”

Clair Haynes, Skills and Development Adviser at Inspira, who ran the programme in conjunction with the Kepplewray Centre, said: ““It was great to see how well the students from two very different courses quickly learned to work together as a team, as this is an important skill they will need when they enter the workforce. They pushed themselves out of their comfort zone by taking on the different challenges and learned through reflection to become more resilient and confident.  They have graduated with a raft of new transferrable skills and an eagerness to be involved in their community.”

The next National Citizen Service programme for 16 and 17 year olds takes place in Summer 2015 (check out NCSNorthwest on Facebook).  Another Inspira and Kendal College programme will take place in Autumn 2015. For more information, visit http://www.kendal.ac.uk or call 01539 814700.

 

 

Notes to editors:

  • For more information, images and enquiries, please contact Natalie Swaby at Kendal College on 01539 814739 or email Natalie.swaby@kendal.ac.uk
  • For more information about Kendal College, visit our website www.kendal.ac.uk
  • Kendal College is situated in Kendal on the edge of the Lake District National Park and is the leading training provider in the South Lakes. The College specialises in Further and Higher Education, as well as training for businesses at all levels, including apprenticeships and NVQ training, sales, marketing, management, finance and business training. Judged Outstanding by Ofsted, the college enjoys Beacon Status, has achieved IQER for its Higher Education Provision, TQS for its work with employers and the Matrix Award for Advice and Guidance.

 

About Inspira

  • Inspira is a national social enterprise based in Cumbria. The organisation is a leader in its field for managing and delivering innovative personal development and careers guidance programmes to help young people and adults improve their employability skills. Inspira manages and delivers programmes in Cumbria and North West England on behalf of employers, learning providers, government departments and councils. The Company’s mission is to inspire people everyday to realise their dreams by providing services that meet their individual needs, raises their aspirations and encourages them to continue developing throughout their lives.
  • Inspira operates four Advice Services centres in Cumbria. These are located in  Workington, Whitehaven, Barrow and Carlisle. The Company also has an operational office in Kendal and an Advice Services presence at Kendal College. Head office is in Penrith.

 

About National Citizen Service

  • National Citizen Service National Citizen Service is a flagship government initiative. It offers a unique opportunity for 16 and 17 year olds to come together with people from different backgrounds. Over several weeks it provides them with an amazing springboard for the future by developing new skills, confidence and a broader set of horizons. On a team building residential, participants will do a mixture of activities, such as rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, white-water rafting, zip-lining and trekking. The young people will then return to their communities, working with local businesses and other organisations to learn new skills such as music, drama or sport and discover more about their local areas. They will then create and deliver their own community projects around issues they really care about in their local areas, such as homelessness or the local environment. The completion of NCS is marked with a celebration of young people’s achievements and all participants will receive a certificate signed by the Prime Minister.
  • NCS is officially recognised by UCAS and increasingly valued by employers, allowing young people to really boost their CVs and university applications. Furthermore, considerable government investment means that costs are kept to a minimum for participants.
  • For more information please visit www.ncsnorthwest.co.uk