Dartford Grammar School for Girls (DGGS) has been named a ‘Champion School’ by the National Citizen Service (NCS) youth empowerment programme following the enrolment of over 100 of its year 11 students.

During the programme the teens will have collectively donated over 3,200 hours of volunteering to local charities and causes, and designed social action projects that raised donations and awareness for charities across the Dartford area.

NCS is a four week programme for 15-17 year olds which takes place during school holidays. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to meet other local young people from a range of backgrounds, live independently, and develop the skills that universities and employers value, whilst giving back to their local community.

Thanks to government backing, NCS costs a maximum of £50 to take part in, and offers the participating young people the opportunity to try their hand at a range of activities, from rock climbing to raft building to developing confidence, business, social and team-working skills. The students then spend a week in a University Halls of Residence focusing on skills employers look for, and finally go on to examine their local community to identify aspects requiring improvement, and used their findings to design and implement a social action project to make that improvement.

Huge supporters of NCS, 65 DGGS students have successfully completed the programme since 2015, whilst a further 44 Year 11 students have already signed up to take advantage of the scheme this summer. A Champion School plaque was presented to DGGS during a dedicated assembly by members of Charlton Athletic Community Trust, who deliver the NCS programme within the Dartford area. The award was presented to Ramya Udhiyakumar and Priya Jeyakumaran; both year 12 students who took part in the scheme last year and found it hugely beneficial.

Accepting the award, Ramya, 17, commented, “NCS helped me get out of my comfort zone and realise that what I thought were my flaws were actually my strengths. It was the best summer by far and I gained a lot of experiences as well as making loads of new friends.”

Miss F Kellet, Assistant Headteacher at DGGS commented: “It is always great for students to appreciate the importance of going beyond good grades in developing themselves. We are proud of our ‘Champion School’ status within NCS and I know Ramya and Priya were delighted to be invited to accept the award. I am confident that lots more students will sign up - the opportunities this scheme offers are excellent and will continue to support the students in the future.” Education Secretary Justine Greening said: “It’s really fantastic to see that so many pupils have already benefitted from the wide range of programmes provided by the National Citizen Service (NCS). I want to congratulate all the ‘Champion Schools’ and thank them for their hard work and commitment helping young people across the country gain vital skills that will help them get on in life and fulfil their potential.

“NCS is an investment in the future of young people. Everyone who takes part has the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new friends from different schools, and gain the confidence they need to be successful in life and work.”

There are a number of ways in which schools in Kent and Sussex can work with their local NCS provider to raise the profile of the programme ranging from delivering an assembly to students to attending careers events, parents’ evenings and delivering sessions to tutor groups. All are free of charge.

Submitted by Julia Inshaw