26 January, 2024
Five students at Ormiston Park Academy have received accolades for their exceptional work during a life-skills-building programme.
Known as The Respect Project, the 10-week youth programme is designed to develop and equip Year 9 students with tools to help build their self-confidence and emotional resilience.
Throughout the project, Year 9 students Alfie, Daniel, Harley, Josh and Louisa were provided with the opportunity to take part in life skills activities and work with students from across Thurrock. This concluded with a week-long residential trip where they put their newfound expertise to the test.
During the residential, students were able to try a range of new outdoor activities including sleeping under the stars on a mountain in snowy conditions, gorge walking, climbing and abseiling. The students also cooked their own food whilst camping in the wild without any technology.
As part of the project, the students completed a 60-hour ASDAN course, a nationally recognised qualification in the development of personal, social and employability skills, which also contributed towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.
The awards evening, which had been organised by Essex Boys and Girls Club and funded by The Jack Petchey Foundation, enabled the students to reflect on and celebrate their achievements during the project.
At the celebration evening, each student gave a speech, sharing with the audience their experience of the project and showcasing their newly found confidence at its best.
Ormiston Park Academy has worked closely with Essex Boys and Girls Clubs on two projects per year, for the past seven years to help enhance the lives and experiences of students.
Humayun Rashid, interim principal said: “I am incredibly proud of all five of our students for taking part in what has been a truly transformational project. They have shown exceptional grit and determination and are beyond deserving of the celebration they received.
“The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive as they were able to witness first-hand the confidence growth in each student which will set them up to flourish in the future.”
“At Ormiston Park Academy, we are fully committed to providing all of our students with enriching opportunities to develop key skills and support them to thrive in their education and personal lives.”
Category: News
Tags: Essex Boys and Girls Club, Jack Petchley Foundation, Life-skills Programme, Ormiston Park Academy, The Respect Project
