HIS Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge has sent a message of support to Caldicot schoolchildren for completing a new award scheme.

The SkillForce Junior Prince's Award is backed by Prince William and aims to equipe nine to 11-year-olds with the life and employability skills they need to succeed for the future.

Aimed at primary schoolchildren and those in their first year of secondary school, the new award scheme is being rolled out at schools across Great Britain.

The programme focuses on developing character, resilience, confidence, teamwork and problem solving skills. Activities include teamwork challenges and community projects.

Caldicot School and Castle Park Primary School were the first schools in Wales to adopt the Junior Prince's Awards scheme in February and 16 pupils successfully completed the award scheme last Wednesday (10th June).

Pupils took part in two team building tasks at Caldicot School before receiving their awards. They involved a water pipe challenge and building a bridge using planks to cross an imaginary river.

His Royal Highness sent a note of congratulations to the pupils which was read out at a celebration event at Caldicot School attended by parents, pupils and supporters.

He said: "As Royal Patron of SkillForce I would like to congratulate all of you who have completed the first Junior Prince's Award programme held here in Wales.

"By giving up one hour a week of your time to work together on various projects and challenges you have developed the important skills of teamwork, discipline and responsibility.

"I hope you are all enormously proud of what you have achieved in earning this award and have made some good friends along the way."

Libby-Rose Lane, aged 10, said: "SkillForce has made me more confident about moving from Castle Park to Caldicot School.

"I am not scared of moving to the secondary school because visiting there every week has helped me to understand what it is like."

Kai Stephens, 11, said: "SkillForce has made me feel more confident about trying new things.

"The move to secondary school doesn't feel so scary. I find the activities fun as well"

Headteacher at Caldicot School, Susan Gwyer-Roberts, said: "Caldicot School is delighted to be the first secondary school in Wales to have eight Year 7 pupils completing the Junior Prince's Award this term.

"In partnership with Castle Park Primary School we have invested in a joint project to engage both pupils and their parents in a programme that enhances the development of a wide range of skills and personal qualities, and supports the life chances of these youngsters as they seek employment in the world of work.

Kay Ford, headteacher of Castle Park Primary School, said: "This project will help to break down the barriers between primary and secondary education enabling transition to be much smoother.

"SkillForce develop skills linked to teamwork, independence and hard work.

"Through participation in this award the pupils are becoming more confident and self-aware which has a positive effect on their school work.

"The exciting part is to be able to give Castle Park pupils experiences they would not otherwise have."

For more information about the project, visit: http://www.skillforce.org">www.skillforce.org or follow them on Twitter @SkillForceUK