DEVELOPING teamwork skills, learning to rock climb and overcoming a fear of heights are just a number of the hopes shared by more than 30 Nottingham Academy students as they begin intu in Nottingham’s annual Outward Bound programme.
Now in its fifth year, the students will be challenged to step out of their comfort zones and take part in a week-long outdoor learning experience in the Lake District next month, supported by willing volunteers from intu Victoria Centre and intu Broadmarsh.
Three intu team members will act as mentors throughout the programme and had the opportunity to meet their groups at an ice-breaker morning at Nottingham Academy.
Nigel Wheatley, general manager for intu in Nottingham, said: “We are pleased to be involved again in the Outward Bound programme and to be continuing our relationship with Nottingham Academy. The programme means so much to the students that take part and for our mentors too, who have the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and try something new to develop their own personal skillsets.”
Jemma Froggitt, regional learning and development consultant for intu and one of this year’s mentors, said: “This is the first year I have been involved in the Outward Bound trip but I was really keen to get involved having heard such amazing feedback from my colleagues in previous years. I’m really excited to get to know the group better and to support them, and push myself, in overcoming the challenges ahead.”
Since it began in 2012, more than 200 students over the last five years have participated in the residential trip which is designed to help them develop core skills, such as teamwork and communication, as well as make new friends and offer the opportunity to try their hand at new activities including abseiling, orienteering and an overnight outdoor camping trip.
Jack Bennett and Kyle Robbins, both now 17-years-old and in Sixth Form at Nottingham Academy, completed the Outward Bound programme in its first year.
Speaking of how the programme supported him, Jack said: “I really enjoyed the Outward Bound trip and loved exploring and seeing an area of the country I had not been too before. The activities we did, like kayaking, were really fun and presented us with a good challenge.
“The Outward Bound trip really helped us develop our communication and organisation skills and I think that will really help when we start university and then begin our careers.”
Kyle added: “I am hoping to now become a geophysicist and develop my love of the outdoors through studying at university. Outward Bound definitely helped me because I learnt all about orienteering and reading maps, which has put me in good stead later in life.
“My advice for anyone taking part would be to make the most of the opportunity you have been given and to take plenty of clean clothes!”
For the first time this year, several of the participating students will be enrolled onto the newly-launched ‘Inspire’ programme, a four-year mentoring scheme designed to help students develop key skills for improving employability, while also helping during the years leading up to GCSEs, with mentors offering support and advice on potential career paths and opportunities for local students.
Nicky Brown, assistant headteacher at Nottingham Academy, said: “Nottingham Academy are delighted to be working with intu once again and we believe that working closely with local businesses brings fantastic opportunities for our young people.
“Pupils are able to spend time in the workplace engaging with adults who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. This coupled with the Outward Bound trip and mentoring will help to develop life skills and employability characteristics, developing young people who are ambitious, resilient and tenacious.
“Our pupils really enjoyed meeting intu mentors for the first time and are excited about the project. We are positive that this project will bring a wealth of rewards for both Nottingham Academy pupils and intu staff taking part.”
