Nelson and Colne College’s constantly-evolving extracurricular provision has been boosted with a double dose of good news.
Sport England has awarded the college an additional £57,045 of funding as an extension of the initial £114,090 fund in 2017 as part of a national initiative to tackle student inactivity.
The funding boost will continue to support NCC’s wider extracurricular programme in the 2019-20 academic year, promoting the “Be Active” element of the government’s “Five Ways to Well-being” document.
As well as improving physical activity levels, the project focuses highly on the development of transferable skills and qualities. These include helping students gain a sense of belonging and building self-esteem and confidence to enable them to achieve what they want in life after College.
Wendy Higgin, Vice Principal for Pre-Advanced Programmes and Learner Services at Nelson and Colne College, said:
“We are thrilled that Sport England has agreed to extend the funding to allow the college to continue to develop our sporting provision at Nelson campus, such has been the success of the project.
Our students have been extremely positive about the amazing range of onsite and offsite activities we have been able to deliver as a result of the funding. Many of our students have never had the opportunity to experience these before, and it is encouraging continued participation in physical activity.”
Since the original funding was provided, the college has bettered its student participation target for extracurricular activities by more than one third.
Level 3 Sport and Exercise Sciences student Dominika Bzdon, 17, has taken part in 20 of the activities offered through NCC’s extracurricular programme.
The former Marsden Heights Community College student, who is also one of the College’s Young Leaders, said:
“I’m always looking to try new activities and the extracurricular offer at NCC is fantastic and allows me to do this. I really like badminton, table tennis and the board games.
I’m also absolutely loving completing Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award as it developing a range of skills and it has boosted my confidence.”
Following the successful merger with Accrington and Rossendale College in November 2018, the college has also been awarded Operating Authority status by the awarding body of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Operating Authority status is usually reserved for organisations such as councils and public sector bodies and the college has become the first in East Lancashire to receive the status.
The status means the college has the independence to tailor and shape the award to the needs and interests of its students at Nelson and Accrington campuses – meaning they will gain an even better experience when completing the ultimate challenge. It also means that the provision is secure and ensures the college can sustain the award for years to come, without relying on external providers.
Wendy added: “Receiving the Operating Authority status from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is fantastic news for our students at both Nelson and Accrington campuses, and is a real example of the benefits of our successful merger.
“The Award is an important scheme which develops a multitude of like skills from fitness to resilience and independence, and it continues to be highly sought-after by employers.
“Statistics show that 81% of students agree that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has had a positive impact on their well-being, as well as helping them build confidence and self-esteem, and we continue to encourage students to complete this challenging but rewarding initiative.”
A Year 8, 9 and 10 Open Event will take place at Nelson and Colne College on Tuesday 30 April from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm. This is a great chance to learn more about the college’s provision and extracurricular offer, to tour the campus and view its high-tech facilities, and meet expert tutors and members of the Careers Team.
Visitors can also take part in a range of exciting ‘have a go’ activities and get a feel for life at the number one college in the country for 16-18 learner achievement.
A Year 8, 9 and 10 Open Event will be held at Accrington and Rossendale College on Wednesday 8 May from 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm.
For more information about Nelson and Colne College contact 01282 440272.
For more information about Accrington and Rossendale College contact 01254 389933.
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