On the way they tried fishing for crayfish and had encounters with ducks, cows and a bull. They learned the importance of teamwork, of listening to others and of communicating well. They practised their cooking, map reading and problem solving skills, recognised that on a hike “..you get to see what you don’t see..” and may even do it again one day!

On the first day they visited the GENIE labs (Genetics Education Networking for Innovation and Excellence) at the University of Leicester. There they donned lab coats and gloves and took part in a range of interesting activities – they found the DNA of a banana, took part in the Human Genome Race, acted as DNA detectives and found out how they were “one in a million”

The group then transferred to De Montfort University where they attended a presentation about optical illusions and learned how the brain works to convince us that what isn’t there actually is! This was followed by a session using Photoshop to create a design which was printed and bonded to the appropriate material to form their own mouse mat!

The second day was spent at Loughborough University. After a brief tour of the campus which enabled them to see the Olympic size pool and to peek at the gymnastics area, they moved on to a presentation about Ergonomics which was followed by a design challenge task. The students came up with some fantastic designs for a new mobile phone and the winning group received gift vouchers as a prize.

The afternoon saw us in the Sports Department with a choice of attending a fitness testing session or one on sports psychology. This session was followed by an experience of a new sport – Rock-It-Ball – fast, furious and slightly dangerous!

After two fascinating days the students left with a clearer idea of what university life might be like, and hopefully an increased determination and aspiration to include it in their plans for the future.

The students’ evaluations of the whole programme were very positive with words such as fun and interesting being chosen to describe it. They were able to identify things they’d learned as well as making suggestions for future programmes – more cricket was requested! Scores of over 9/10 were given by the students who also expressed the wish to return in the Autumn term.

Staff identified students’ increased confidence in trying new things, an improved ability to join in discussions and express opinions, and better reflective skills.

This week’s food tasting introduced the group to soda bread, potato bread and dulse – a form of dried seawood popular as a snack in Ireland. (though not so popular with our students)

It was party time for kic.in2.study students on 2nd July when they gathered in the Players Restaurant at Northampton Town Football Club along with carers, friends, social workers, key workers, teachers from the Life Chances team and Northamptonshire Study Centre staff to celebrate their involvement with kic.in2.study over the last year. We were delighted to welcome some of our regular taxi drivers too.

Certificates were awarded to acknowledge involvement with the programme; for achieving 100% attendance; for involvement with the Supporter to Reporter programme and for participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. In addition five students identified by staff as outstanding in some way were given Special Awards. Students also received a CD of photos and a limited edition kic.in2.study mug.

A hot and cold buffet supper was followed by some pretty skilful dancing.

They also visited the video diary room to give their thoughts about kic.in2.study.

We discussed what they’d gained from attending the programme – all of them appreciated the opportunity to meet other people and make new friends and to experience new things. As a group they have grown in confidence and are much more willing to express their opinions, to ask for help and to try new things than when we first met them.

They have been a delightful group to work with and we’re looking forward to seeing them again at other kic.in2.study events.

On Sunday morning the weather was still scorching and their aim was to complete the second day in time to get home to see England play. Still feeling tired, aching in places they didn’t know they had, and with one or two blisters between them, they prepared for day two. Breakfast eaten, tents down and campsite cleared and they set off again – the rucksacks weren’t quite as heavy this time – all the food had been eaten! They made it back to the study centre with time to clean some of the kit and get home to watch the game.

Our congratulations to the boys on a fantastic achievement – they showed determination and persistence, and dug deep into their personal reserves to complete the expedition. Well done!

After a spell on I am Learning they were lucky to have the opportunity to do some cricket themselves with visiting coach Dan before tackling the cricket tour task which required them to locate four cities on a map of Pakistan, work out the distances between them and begin to work out the costs involved.

At the end of the session the young people tried out a range of celebration sweets which might be eaten at festivals or special occasions.