Real stories home / CASE STUDIES / TESTIMONIALS / FACTS & STATS (PDF)

DAWN GILL
Manager, Behaviour Support and Social Inclusion Integrated Education Support Service, Waltham Forest Education Authority
We now have 10 schools on board and the Youth Service participates fully, helping to run the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and recruiting young people who are especially challenging. Probably the biggest success borough-wide has been improved partnership working between schools and the Youth Service; the latter works closely with the Youth Offending Team. Our Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has really taken off. Last year we had an 80% conversion rate to D of E for students who had the Challenge experience. We're hoping to have done as well this year, by the time when this year's visits have taken place.
In year 1, recruitment to the programme was difficult, now we have a waiting list of schools who would like to be considered for next year's programme. We look forward to a long partnership with the Challenger Trust, Jack Petchey and World Challenge. So far almost 750 young people have participated in the visits over the past three years. The cumulative effect on the community is incalculable, especially as the Challenger Trust visits and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme are now run hand-in-hand and it doesn't all end after the week away; for many, it carries on through D of E, enabling young people to make their own contributions to the community that they live in. Long term, there are knock-on effects for the community as a whole.”

WENDY EAGER
Support Worker, 115 Project (Pupil Referral Unit)
One Five have never been given the opportunity to experience a residential trip before. Many of them have never travelled out of London or been away from home - since they have been told about this great opportunity they have become more motivated in their attitude towards school work, it is at present the main focus of conversation for all the students who are coming”.

TEACHER, Heathcote School
“18 students from Heathcote School travelled to Llangatock in Wales to complete the Expedition Section of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
The expedition took place over 5 days where the students took part in Climbing, Abseiling, Kayaking, a two day walk of approximately 25 miles, using the following skills, orienteering, teamwork, communication, planning/organisation, problem solving, responsibility and decision making. At the base camp in Llangattock we were cared for by World Challenge staff, who were at all times helpful, attentive and shared their knowledge with all the students and staff. I would like this opportunity to thank everybody concerned including sponsors, World Challenge, The Challenger Trust and the Jack Petchey Trust with making the Expedition a positive experience for all those who participated.
The weather was horrendous but this did not deter any of the students taking part and they all successfully completed the award. Once back in school we evaluated the visit, here are a few quotes from the students, 'the best week of my life’, ‘when can we go again', 'my attitude towards others has changed', 'best part Kayaking, worst part the rain', 'I am know more confident around others', 'I can complete goals if I really try'.”

PARENT, Pupil Partnership, Acton
“There is mounting evidence that early intervention in the lives of disadvantaged young people plays a key part in both individual and neighbourhood renewal”.

TERRY HAYWARD
Sales & Marketing Director, World Challenge
“World Challenge is delighted to be able to support young people from Brent and Harrow, in partnership with NWLEBP and the John Lyons Charity. We believe strongly in the long lasting benefits of outdoor education for young people and having seen such great results from this project, we hope that the partnership can continue into the future”.

TBETH ANDERSON
Young Enterprise
“I was especially impressed with the leaders Ian, Nigel and Roo who were all very professional and supportive of the students and the ethos I wanted to put across in the weekend. It was great to have such a good team who understood exactly how to deal with the group and didn't patronise them but encouraged them to try new things and work with different people”.

LAURA MCCULLOCH
Support Manager, Invergordon Academy
“Thank you on behalf of the pupils from Invergordon Academy who attended the ‘Alladale Project’ Monday 4th June 2007- Thursday 7th June. The pupils all thoroughly enjoyed their experiences on the estate and have vividly described how the trip has helped them have a better understanding of their environment and themselves.
As a member of staff accompanying the group, I was impressed by the dedication and professionalism displayed by the team leaders and gillies. The pupils were appropriately challenged and I was delighted to see them benefit from the stunning surroundings as well as the coaching.
The new found confidence of particular members of the group and how they are feeling more equipped to attempt new things, is a quality I am sure they will transfer to the school environment and throughout their lives. I sincerely hope more Invergordon Academy pupils will have a similar chance to come to Alladale Estate or participate in further projects with World Challenge. I would be grateful if we could maintain links with your organisation”.

MAREE PATULLO
Pupil, Invergordon Academy
“When I was at Alladale I had a good time because I was challenged and was given a chance to be a leader. It was weird been leader because I‘m never the choice to be a leader. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and the wildlife. I saw frogs and did things I would never have a chance to do again.”

EDDIE PENNINGTON
Pupil, Invergordon Academy
“I really enjoyed the trip to Alladale. It was very hard in places but it was still good fun. I especially enjoyed the kayaking. I also found out that leading a group is harder than it looks.”

WHAT PUPILS HAVE SAID THEY LEARNT ON ONE OF OUR PROGRAMMES…
“That I can do things when I put my mind to it”
“That I need to try things before judging them”
“That I’m not as stupid as I think I am”
“Not losing my temper and hitting people”
“Working together and learning new things”
“Taking on more new challenges”
“Getting in control of my behaviour”
“Learning to control myself and listen”
“That if I try my best I can actually do things I never would have believed”
“I can overcome my fears”
“That anything is possible and once you have done it, it’s the best feeling ever!”
“That I have potential”
“Don’t give up, I can do things with other people’s help”

WHAT TEACHERS HAVE SAID THEIR PUPILS HAVE GOT OUT OF ONE OF OUR PROGRAMMES…
“Determination to succeed even when they feel they cannot achieve the goal”
“Students made aware of different cultures and practices”
“Confidence in their own abilities”
“How they bonded with pupils they don’t normally mix with, new friendships made”
“The experience of listening, thinking and planning before doing”
“Self esteem – achieving the unachievable”
“There were several pupils who had the potential to give up completely but no-one did”
“Some young people really excelled in an environment that is vastly different from what they know”
“Students with some behavioural difficulties were sometimes the better leaders and displayed determination to succeed”
“Some usually misbehaving students were superb team players”
“Several pupils from different areas made friends which would not happen in London”
“Students who are shy really gained confidence and trust in the group”
“It was an excellent programme which really challenged the students and helped them to develop new skills”
“Team work and listening are skills that school can not really teach”
“It brought out strengths in students who don’t always demonstrate them in the classroom”
“I found that I really got to know some of the children and connected with them – this will definitely be a benefit returning to school”
“Some pupils were much more motivated and focussed compared to their behaviour in school”
“Much better than expectation, some difficult students worked really well”
“A few of the children with behavioural difficulties really immersed themselves in the activities”

BACK TO TOP