NCS The Challenge is a three part programme for 15 to 17 year olds to take on new challenges, develop new skills and meet new people. Running during summer and half-term, the programme involves a short time away from home, trying new things as well as taking part in a team project in the local community and much more!

Are you in Year 11 and unsure about NCS?

Mr Fletcher is a keen advocate of NCS. Here he provides further information for those still unsure whether it is for them.
When I look back on school, the best things I remember are the extra-curricular opportunities we experienced. Taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh programme, numerous sports teams, school trips and even productions made school an enjoyable experience and provided me with fantastic experiences. At TGAK we strive to provide you with similar opportunities and the NCS is something I would have relished taking part in. You are fortunate to have this opportunity and having spoken to previous students who have taken part, I don’t want a single CTC student to miss out.
NCS offers CTC students an unbelievable opportunity to experience a “Whitemoor Lakes” type adventure holiday (except better), experience of University life in University accommodation learning about something that interests you and then working with other NCS friends on a group project.
The NCS experience costs £1500 to provide. However, thanks to government funding you can enjoy all this for only £35! Universities and employers really like NCS and participation in NCS will increase your chances of a successful application. It is important to remember that for most year 11 youngsters, this summer will be one of the longest holidays you have ever had as you break up after their last exam and do not return to TGAK until early September. You have longer than six weeks so please make the most of it and take the Challenge!

Ex-Year 12 International Baccalaureate student Jack Vasey looks back on his involvement in NCS and the impact it has had on him.
Read Jacks’ Story
Together with my colleagues at NCS we have answered the questions you have asked. Should you have anything you are unsure about, please speak to me or email me (lfletcher@kingshurst.tgacademy.org.uk) and we will answer your questions.
All our accommodation is single gender (for example separate dormitory rooms, yurts, tents, and so on) and comes with all the necessary amenities, such as access to showers and power plugs. Some accommodation, including bathrooms, may be shared with other young people, but it will only be with participants of the same gender.
Participants will need to travel to a meeting point which is usually within or near to their local area. We will then arrange transport to take young people to any venues that are further away. Young people and their parents or guardians are responsible for organising their travel between home and the meeting points at the start and return times which will be shown on their timetable.
Part 1 (staying away from home) 18 June – 22 June
Part 2 (staying away from home) 25 June – 29 June
Part 3 (staying at home at night) 3 July – 6 July
Programme Solihull:
Part 1 (staying away from home) 26 June – 30 June
Part 2 (staying away from home) 3 July – 7 July
Part 3 (staying at home at night) 11 July – 14 July
Programme Solihull:
Part 1 (staying away from home) 7 July – 11 July
Part 2 (staying away from home) 14 July – 18 July
Part 3 (staying at home at night) 23 July – 26 July
Programme Solihull
Part 1 (staying away from home) 15 July – 19 July
Part 2 (staying away from home) 22 July – 26 July
Part 3 (staying at home at night) 31 July – 3 August
Programme Solihull
Part 1 (staying away from home) 27 July – 31 July
Part 2 (staying away from home) 3 August – 7 August
Part 3 (staying at home at night) 11 August – 14 August
Programme Solihull:
Part 1 (staying away from home) 7 August – 11 August
Part 2 (staying away from home) 14 August – 18 August
Part 3 (staying at home at night) 22, 23, 24&26 August
*Please note that some NCS programmes follow a slightly different timetable to the above. We will send confirmation of exact dates once we have confirmed your place on a particular programme.
If we are unable to offer a place to a young person on any of their selected dates, a refund can be requested at any time, no matter when the payment was made. This means that if the young person never gets offered a place on the programme, you can of course get a refund.
In some cases, we may put extra staff support in place for a young person. In all cases, we will make relevant staff aware of any challenging behaviour so that they can support the young person, and the whole team. We also have a ‘code of conduct’ which is explained to young people at the start of the programme, and which we expect them to follow. This contains some rules about the behaviour we expect on the programme, including following safety rules and the law, and respecting and including other people. If a young person does seriously or persistently break the code of conduct, then staff will assess the situation and decide on the most appropriate action. In some cases, the young person may be asked to leave the programme.