April 1, 2019

Friday 22 March 2019 saw children from year 8 and their families from across Furness gather for a celebration evening after completing the Inspiring Barrow Kickstart programme at the Forum in Barrow.  Kickstart is delivered in after- school sessions and aims to improve skills such as confidence, resilience, teamwork communication and leadership.

Five schools have taken part in the programme which is an expansion from previous years with Ulverston Victoria High School and Dowdales joining Walney School, St Bernard’s Catholic High School and Furness Academy.

The children received awards from both Inspector Jim Bailey (guest speaker) and Mayor Bill McEwan.

A video of the children’s half term trip to the Kepplewray Centre in Broughton which was produced by Furness college media students was also shown on the evening, showing the children taking part in activities including archery, bush-craft, crate-stacking and a giant tree climb.

Parent, Amanda Sneesby said
“Just had a great night at The Forum for the Inspiring Barrow Kickstart Programme presentation night!
Erin won the award for learning the new skill of resilience which means she has learnt to not give up on herself and to keep going and believe in herself! Since starting the programme Erin has grown so much in confidence and it’s been so wonderful to see her grow in strength!
Erin has made new friends with kids that are not only from her own school but also from other schools in the area and has loved telling us all about the memories she has made and will carry forever!
When we went to Kepplewray it was a fantastic day out and I loved watching Erin and her friends take part in all the activities!
The Inspiring Kickstart Programme really is amazing to be part of for the students involved and I cannot thank them enough for letting Erin be part of it!”