A BASINGSTOKE secondary school has been chosen to become part of a Government-backed youth citizenship programme.

Brighton Hill Community School will become one of the National Citizen Service (NCS) Champion Schools for 2014, which means the school will work closely with its NCS regional provider to support the delivery of the programme to students.

Year 11 students at the school, in Brighton Way, can join the programme which is designed to help young people build skills for work and life, take on new challenges and meet new friends.

Headteacher Charlie Currie said: “The ethos of the NCS is very closely aligned to ours here at Brighton Hill which is reflected in our selection as one of their Champion Schools.

“We believe in supporting initiatives which encourage our students to expand their horizons, learn new skills and enrich their lives.

“We are fully behind this programme, and I am hoping that a number of Year 11 students will see the value and benefit of joining.”

Students will work in teams of 12 to 15 alongside a mentor and will take part in different outdoor activities, develop new skills, gain greater understanding and contribute positively to the local community.

The programme is made up of four sections that will develop students’ leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

These are put into practice when students are challenged to create a project they care about to bring to life in the Basingstoke community.

Last year, NCS engaged thousand of teenagers from nearly 3,000 schools and colleges.