Pupils from Sandgate School have launched a social media video to promote inclusion and understanding.
On Friday 5th of April, twelve young people from Sandgate School celebrated the completion of their own National Citizen Service (NCS) journey which included creating the video as part of their social action project.
NCS is a national youth movement aimed at giving young people of all abilities a voice on social issues. The programme ranges from two weeks to four and helps to build leadership qualities, personal confidence and self- esteem and aims to improve social cohesion.
Inspira who delivers NCS in Cumbria developed a discreet, fully accessible programme for the Sandgate pupils to enable them to take part in the youth movement and experience all the challenging activities and independent-living.
Patrick Fotheringham, one of the students from Sandgate who gave a speech, said, “I learnt a very important lesson in life, push yourself to do the impossible because you can do that.”
“Through the residential, the students challenged themselves physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. They bought back these new-found skills and confidence and continued to build on these in the classroom. We’re very proud of what they have achieved and thankful for the time Inspira have given to adapt the programme to meet the needs of our learners.” Said Julia McDonald, Deputy Head, Sandgate School.
Following the residential the pupils from Sandgate undertook a Social Action project to promote inclusion and understanding through the production of a video to be shared as part of Queen Katherine Schools’ transition programme for new year 7s.
Mary Rollitt, mum to James who also went on the NCS programme commented, “It was great for James to experience other settings and surroundings and to be pushed to undertake experiences that he wouldn’t usually have access to. James can get quite low and hurt without stimulation so projects such as this really help his mood and helps to build his self-belief.”
Class teacher, Ms Davenport hosted an afternoon celebrating the success of the young people involved in the project – showing a montage of photos and videos of the activities that took place as well the thought-provoking social media video intended to promote inclusion and understanding.
“This was the first NCS programme INSPIRA and Sandgate have delivered together, and it has been fantastic partnership that we hope to continue year on year. Thank you to all the staff, students and parents who supported the programme,” concluded Lauren Jackson NCS Area Coordinator.
