Member Article

100+ Harton Academy students set to change South Tyneside next summer

Students at Harton Academy in South Shields have been flocking to reserve places on a transformative programme that enables young people to develop vital skills and make a difference to the local community.

Since delivering an assembly to the year 11s on November 13, National Citizen Service (NCS) has been inundated with applications from students at the school, with over 100 teenagers signing up to take part in the government-backed programme, which will see them organise community projects during the summer holidays.

Harton Academy are the first school in the North East to reach over 100 NCS sign ups this academic year.

NCS Recruitment Coordinator Thierry Brown, said: “Each year we see an enormous response from year 11 students at Harton Academy – and I’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm they’ve shown once again. 113 students, and counting, have already said ‘yes’ to NCS.

“It’s only December, yet places on the summer 2018 programme are already very limited for South Tyneside teenagers. We’re currently on a tour of all the local schools to tell year 11s about the programme, so places will continue to fill up.”

Harton Academy are also an NCS Champion School, and last year achieved the accolade of being the top school in South Tyneside for pupil participation.

Emma Lewell-Buck, MP for South Shields, said: “Having visited young people taking part in National Citizen Service on several occasions, I have seen first-hand not only the skills and experiences the scheme gives them but how it increases their confidence and is helping create great advocates for our community. So I am delighted that Harton Academy have provided the platform for so many of their students to take part.”

The four week NCS scheme sees teens enjoy a week of outdoor adventure; a great chance to meet new people and enjoy some fun and freedom after the stressful GCSE exam period.

They then spend a further week in a university-style environment developing life skills like confidence, leadership and communication to boost CVs or UCAS personal statements.

Putting their new skills into practice, participants are then challenged to deliver a community project in their local area and on completion, graduates of the scheme receive a certificate signed by the prime minister.

16 and 17 year olds are eligible to take part in NCS next summer. Government-backing means that places cost just £50, with bursaries of £10 available to those eligible for free school meals.

For South Tyneside teens, departure dates include 10th July, 20th July, 24th July and 7th August. Places are already limited. To reserve a place, teens or parents should visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk or call 0191 247 4020.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NCS North East .