Sigma ADELL: Rising to the Challenge
Starting secondary school can be a daunting time for young people. New routines, new expectations and new social pressures can leave some students struggling to find their place.
KEY+ Transitions, a programme run by youth charity The Key helps young people build confidence, develop important life skills and strengthen relationships as they navigate this important stage of their lives. Through the programme, young people work together to plan a trip of their choice, taking responsibility for everything from budgeting and risk assessments to pitching their ideas to a panel and making key decisions along the way.
Delivered in partnership with Children North East, for a group of Year 9 students known as Sigma ADELL, this opportunity became a chance to show everyone, including themselves, what they were really capable of.
The group joined the programme as a friendship group with huge potential and a chance to channel their energy in a positive way. Staff knew there was more to these young people than the challenges they sometimes faced in the classroom and saw an opportunity to help them shine in a different way. Instead of focusing on what wasn’t going well, the project focused on what might be possible. The young people were trusted to take the lead, make decisions and have ownership of a project that mattered to them.
From the very first session, they rose to the challenge. Over the weeks that followed, they not only planned and delivered their own trip, but also built confidence, strengthened friendships and demonstrated a level of maturity and teamwork that impressed everyone around them.
The group were asked to reflect on their strengths, think about areas they wanted to develop and work together to create a shared project and they embraced the challenge. They chose their team name, Sigma ADELL, and quickly began discussing ideas for the trip to an inflatable aquapark. They researched costs, created a budget, organised transport plans and prepared a presentation explaining why their trip deserved funding. Every decision was theirs to make, and every challenge was theirs to solve.
As one young person reflected:
“It made me think about what I was good at and what I needed to work on.” Aaron, aged 13.
When it came time to present their proposal to a panel to secure funding for their trip, the group supported each other and delivered the presentation with confidence. Their commitment throughout the project impressed everyone around them.
Reflecting on the group’s journey, their facilitator said:
“The group were engaged and focused from the very first session, reflecting on their skills with honesty and listening to what was expected of them; they left that first session excited and already planning what their project was going to involve. During the weeks that followed, they remained focused and worked hard to plan, budget and present their project.”
The young people carefully considered potential risks, discussed how they would keep each other safe, agreed group rules and thought through every detail needed to make the trip successful.
When the long-awaited day finally arrived, all that preparation paid off.
At the aquapark, the friendships and teamwork they had developed throughout the programme were on full display. The group encouraged one another to try new things, helped teammates who needed support and celebrated each other’s successes along the way. Nobody was left behind.
What stood out most was how much they looked out for one another, the young people demonstrated genuine care and respect for each other throughout the day.
Their thoughtfulness extended to the adults supporting them too.
When an issue arose with their lunch order, they confidently approached staff to resolve it themselves and they made sure everyone in the group, including the facilitator and teacher, had a dessert. Afterwards, they helped clear the table without being asked. These small acts spoke volumes about the maturity and responsibility they had developed during the programme.
For staff, this wasn’t just a successful day out. It was a chance to see a group of young people recognised for their strengths rather than their struggles.
By the end of the project, Sigma ADELL had done far more than plan a trip. They had learned how to solve problems together, communicate effectively, support one another and work as a team. They had strengthened friendships, built confidence and developed skills that will benefit them long after the aquapark memories have faded.
And perhaps most importantly, they left with a sense of pride.
“I loved getting the opportunity to earn an end of year trip as we weren’t allowed to go on the other school outings.” Eli, aged 13.
“I’m proud of what we did.” Luke, aged 13.
Sigma ADELL’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are trusted with responsibility and given the chance to lead.
*Names changed to protect identity.
