QE boys taking the opportunity of a lifetime

The contribution QE pupils make to the local community through The Challenge has been recognised by the Prime Minister.

A certificate signed by Theresa May commends the School for its participation, while a report received by the School on this summer’s programme confirms that 78 boys from the current Year 12 took part – more than 11% of the participants from across the Borough of Barnet. In addition, a number of other Year 12 QE boys have now joined The Challenge’s autumn programme.

The Challenge, formally known as ‘National Citizen Service powered by The Challenge’, brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to work together on youth and community initiatives during a three-week summer programme and three autumn weekends.

Described by its organisers as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”, it challenges participants to develop new skills, hone existing ones and use their potential to make a difference in their communities, while at the same time encouraging initiative, teamwork and social cohesion.

A registered charity which promotes community engagement, NCS enjoys support at the highest level: former Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced that his first new role will be to lead an expansion of NCS.

Headmaster Neil Enright said: “We are keen to encourage participation in The Challenge, since it corresponds well to the School’s ethos of producing young men who are committed to serving their communities as well as pursuing their own academic and career goals. Furthermore, because it is comparatively inexpensive, it is very accessible to our pupils, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds.”

http://www.ncsthechallenge.org/