KENDAL College students attended a special event to celebrate successfully graduating from a government initiative.

Delivered in partnership with Inspira, the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme has challenged the group of 16 and 17-year-olds to work together with people from different backgrounds by taking part in a range of activities.

From archery, climbing, an overnight expedition and residential adventure centre with the Kepplewray Trust, to classroom sessions developing their understanding of voting, democracy, and personal finance, the students have gained valuable life experience and skills as part of the programme.

This is the second year that Kendal College has been involved in the National Citizen Service, which saw students from Outdoor Adventure and Creative Media come together to graduate.

Kirkby Stephen's Johnny Holroyd, 16, an Outdoor Adventure student, said: “I learnt valuable life and team skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The whole thing was ‘hands on’ learning, which is my favourite way to learn. It was informative, adventurous and exciting.”

Steve Randles, Outdoor Adventure tutor at the college, said: “The NCS programme has been a great success with the students developing self-confidence and leadership skills through challenging activities. I have seen the build-up of teamwork and communication skills across both the year groups; enhancing their ability to work together within the classroom environment at college.”

Clair Haynes, Skills and Development Adviser at Inspira, who ran the programme in conjunction with the Kepplewray Centre, said: “It was great to see how well the students from two very different courses quickly learned to work together as a team which is an important skill they will need when they enter the workforce.

Another Inspira and Kendal College programme will take place in Autumn 2015.

For more information, visit http://www.kendal.ac.uk or call 01539 814700.