Dear Parent/Guardian,

I am delighted to let you know that this term your child will be given the opportunity
to sign up to the National Citizen Service (NCS) with The Challenge, a governmentfunded programme for 15-17 year olds. Working through physical, personal and
creative challenges, this once-in-a-lifetime experience empowers young people to
build skills and confidence to get ahead in work and life, whilst engaging with their
local area.
What is NCS?
It is a part-residential programme that runs over the summer break.
The first part is a 4-5 day residential, with all meals, kit and accommodation
provided. First, teams develop their leadership and teamwork skills by working
with some of the best outdoor instructors in the UK, enabling them to create
friendships and build confidence at an outdoor activity centre.
Part two is a 4-5 day residential where the students stay at a local university.
Here they meet up with their team to learn a skill in an area they already
enjoy, or want to learn more about. Skills include: Media, Photography,
Enterprise, Drama, Sport, Music, or Art
Finally, teams have the unique opportunity to design, pitch and deliver their
own social action project. Then they graduate, receive a signed certificate
from the Prime Minister and join the graduate programme, The Challenge
Society.
Delivering the programme costs hundreds of pounds per head, but we only ask for a
maximum of 50. NCS with The Challenge will provide financial support when
needed during the signup process. Furthermore, if students sign up before the 31st of
January the programme will only cost 35. The application fee covers all
accommodation, food, transport, and specialist kit for the residential parts of the
programme.
Representatives from NCS with The Challenge will be delivering an assembly on 10th
January at Isleworth & Syon School and will be visiting students during tutor time on
26th and 27th January. At these events, your child will have the opportunity to express
their interest in the programme. Students can sign up online before this, which is
advisable, as places in Hounslow are in high demand.
30 students from Isleworth & Syon School took part in NCS last year.
If you would like to sign your child up, or want more information, please visit
www.ncsthechallenge.org, or contact Alfie, the local NCS Co-ordinator, on 07867
526 474 or via email (alfie.cruttwell@the-challenge.org)
Yours sincerely,
Alfie Cruttwell
NCS Engagement Team Leader- Hounslow and Richmond