Make a positive difference this summer by getting involved with NCS

When you are applying for a job or writing your UCAS application for university – what makes you stand out from the crowd? Completing an NCS Summer Programme is definitely a great way to do this as it will help you develop new skills, meet new people, have fun as well as make a positive difference.

NCS stands for the National Citizen Service and every summer they run a popular programme of activities that improves confidence as well as help students become more independent and responsible citizens. Since starting in 2011, there have been 600,000 young people nationally to have benefited by attending the scheme.

Our Year 11 students had a visit from George (pictured above) and Charlie who are NCS Youth Engagement Officers and gave the low-down on the two-week programme available this summer, which is split into two key parts.

Week one is a residential programme at Kingswood Dearne Valley in South Yorkshire where there will be kayaking, raft building, paddle-boarding, abseiling, zip lines and rock climbing plus much much more. All accommodation, food, travel and activities are included in the £50 price that has been subsidised by the government to encourage as many young people to take part. A bursary is also available to help those who need any financial support.

Week two is a local programme that involves a social action project by working in small teams to make a difference in the local community. This could be raising money for charity, organising and event to help others – but ultimately it is up to you and must be about making a positive difference.

Thank you for George and Charlie from the NCS for taking the time to speak to our students about this fantastic opportunity.

• For more information about the NCS Summer Programme, visit https://wearencs.com/summer