PUPILS are taking on personal challenges as part of a new project combining a military boot camp with The Apprentice .

The six-week project for Key Stage three pupils at Penkford, will be delivered by the school’s military mentor, Ciaran Muir, an amputee from Afghanistan.

It aims to promote character formation and team work, combining team building and problem solving.

Ciaran said: “I hope to bring my own personal experiences to the fore during this exciting project.

“Pupils will face individual personal challenges and also work in teams and tackle problem solving activities.

“They will also experience military boot camp style physical training, participate in a student enterprise competition, and have a mock interview.

“I have also invited a number of guest speakers into school including professional athletes, community figures and those that have battled with adversity and gone on to succeed.

“We have invited back a former pupil who is studying for a degree to showcase that Penkford pupils can overcome personal obstacles and achieve academically”.

Head teacher Julie Johnson added: “We are delighted to give our pupils the chance to learn more about themselves and to understand the importance of working as a team.

“Our pupils have social, emotional and mental health issues and opportunities like this help boost self-esteem and confidence”.

The school has been at the forefront of several initiatives since being judged ‘Good’ in all areas by OFSTED in February 2016.

Readers can follow how pupils cope with the challenges they face by following the blog on the school website.