Adventurous intu volunteers and pupils from Nottingham Academy were celebrated for their determination, perseverance and achievements this month during a presentation evening held at intu Victoria Centre.
Earlier this year, intu team members mentored Nottingham Academy pupils during an outdoor learning experience in Wales. The unique Outward Bound programme encouraged pupils to step out of their comfort zones and build their confidence through experiencing a real adventure.
This is the fourth consecutive year intu has sponsored the Outward Bound residential programme for pupils from the Academy, asking team members to get involved by becoming mentors to support pupils during the outdoor learning experience.
Nicola McCabe, marketing manager for both centres, said “We are delighted to have been part of yet another wonderful Outward Bound trip with pupils from Nottingham Academy. It is something we look forward to all year round and provides our staff the opportunity to support the community.”
“This is a hugely important programme for us and Nottingham Academy as it gives local children the chance to gain new and valuable experiences. We would like to thank Nottingham Academy and our intu mentors, but most importantly the pupils who came along and enjoyed an incredible outdoor learning experience in Wales.”
Two team members from intu Victoria Centre plus two from intu Broadmarsh joined the 12 and 13 year old pupils as mentors throughout the Outward Bound programme, which included challenging outdoor activities such as an overnight expedition, abseiling and canoeing.
Thirteen-year-old Megan King took part in the Outward Bound Programme and said the experience was a great way to build confidence: “I am so pleased I applied to take part in Outward Bound and that I was selected for the experience, it feels special to be part of something like this.
“I made so many new friends during the trip from the other school site, who I still keep in touch with on Facebook – we will always remember the trip and how we met thanks to Outward Bound.”
Megan’s mother Diane King said: “We are so proud of Megan and her achievements during Outward Bound. It is so rewarding to see how the trip has boosted her confidence, she is even applying to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme thanks to her Outward Bound experience.”
Ged Rae, Principal at the Nottingham Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to intu Properties who have made this Outward Bound course possible. Their continued investment over the last four years has allowed us to find new ways to take young people out of their comfort zone: challenging themselves, developing character and interacting with a range of different adults and peers.
“This flagship partnership with intu is a key part of our exciting new Careers & Employability Strategy which aims to prepare our young people for the future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the future.”
