CALDICOT primary schoolchildren were congratulated on Wednesday 14th December for completing an education award scheme backed by HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

The 17 pupils at Dewstow Primary School on Green Lane completed the SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award which develops character, resilience and confidence, as well as teamwork and problem solving skills. 

The students have been working on the scheme since September completing teamwork challenges, community projects, first aid, outdoor pursuits and an overnight residential.

As part of the programme, they have completed a social action project to enhance the school grounds. This involved regenerating the raised vegetable beds and polytunnel, and planting winter vegetables in preparation for harvest in the spring. 

Gillian Bray, headteacher of Dewstow Primary School, said: “Our Year 6 learners have enjoyed every minute of the course. This experience has enabled them to develop skills that will be beneficial to them now and for the future.

“The children have ‘faced their fears’, become resilient and have honed their teamwork skills. We would like to thank the SkillForce staff and are looking forward to engaging with them again next year.”

SkillForce draws on the skills of predominantly ex-Services personnel and supports their transition back in to civilian life.

This includes Anneli Davies who led the Dewstow students on their course using skills she gained whilst serving as an Army Reservist in the 157 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

She said: “It has been a privilege to work with these young people over the last few months. They have embraced the course with great enthusiasm and commitment. I have seen them develop their newly learnt skills, increase in confidence and improve their communication and leadership whilst working as part of a group throughout the course.”