Council and democracy

Duke visits Croydon students

The Duke was invited to Riddlesdown High School where a group of young students who were not reaching their potential with the traditional academic curriculum are now getting the opportunity to achieve some real success.

They have signed up for courses offering vocational qualifications, community work and life skills in the classroom and through outdoor activities.

Croydon Council is working in partnership with Skill Force, a national youth charity, to provide the part-time programme for around 200 young people across the borough.

The weekly one-day course is run in six schools mainly by former services personnel who encourage their charges to develop team building, problem solving and communication skills as well as self discipline, self motivation and self respect. They also get the chance to work towards vocational qualifications.

The aim is to provide support primarily to disengaged 14 to 16-year-olds and increase their chances of going into further education, employment or training on leaving school

Councillor Maria Gatland, cabinet member for children's services and adult learning, said: "Croydon's exam results have been improving, but still too many young people are leaving school with insufficient careers advice to fulfil their potential.

"The Skill Force programme is proving to be a great success in helping to inspire and motivate hard-to-reach students at an important time in their lives and increasing their chances of going into further education, employment or training after leaving school."

Dan Wilkinson, vice principal, Riddlesdown High School, said: "Skill Force has had a really positive effect on the students, many of whom had become disengaged with the traditional academic curriculum. It is helping to improve their attendance, academic progress and their attitude towards school. Not only have they developed important skills in communication, team working and leadership, but they are also achieving recognised qualifications to compliment the GCSEs and vocational courses they are working towards. Skill Force has been a real asset to these students."

Andrew Parsons, Skill Force regional director for the south east, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Croydon. Whilst the vast majority of young people in the borough are doing very well, there are still those that benefit from the alternative progression pathways that Skill Force's approach provides. Nationally, we are working with over 9,000 young people and with support from other schools and boroughs we can reach many more young people."