Case Study

NCS: A high note for Cyrus

16 Dec 2024

From performing in a county wide orchestra to competing with his dance crew, 16 year-old Cyrus knows a fair bit about teamwork. Yet it took a climb up a Jacob’s Ladder high rope course during his National Citizen Service (NCS) residential trip to truly understand what pulling together can achieve.

“I am petrified of heights; my friend pretty much dragged me up to the top which I was so thankful for… I’ve done it again since,” laughs Cyrus. “Teamwork is key – 100% – I wouldn’t have got up that ladder without my friend. I can take that back in, become a team player in my orchestra and we can get a lot more done.”

Cyrus, who is also an accomplished drummer and athlete, attended the Kingswood outdoor adventure site in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight for his summer 2024 NCS residential experience. Delivered by Ingeus and its partners, the away-from home adventures for 16-17 year-olds build resilience, confidence and friendships in equal measure. The five day trip included the zip line, aeroball, 3G swing, and citizen’s aid, including learning to tie knots – a new-found favourite for Cyrus. 

Attending with fellow students and staff from Hoe Valley School 6th form in Woking, the trip was, says Cyrus, a chance to get to know new people at school and learn valuable life skills, while enjoying the ‘fantastic’ breakfasts:

“The communal eating… Even people I don’t know, I’ve had conversations with and got to know them better. It’s a fantastic friendship making thing three times a day, it’s just an amazing time.”

Cyrus is now studying biology, PE, and music performance BTEC, and is thankful for the opportunities NCS provided him:   

“It’s an eye-opening experience,” he concludes. “You get to experience new things you might not have done, with different people, and you just learn a lot. It’s great for life skills.

“I would describe NCS as fantastic, it’s so much fun and I’d recommend it to anyone.”