Iron Men of Consett
Building Self- Belief are currently delivering and Employability Programme at Consett Academy. As part of the sessions, we discuss the importance of volunteering and how impressive this is to employers – especially when young people are channelling their energy into a good cause.
70.3 mile Iron Man
Three of our students – Jamie Watson, Thomas William and Jake Kingshot - as well as volunteering for our sessions, are also in the process of training to an Iron Man contest in aid of a great cause, Teenage Cancer Research. They are all taking on the challenge of the 70.3 mile Iron Man.
Challenge not a Race
The Iron Man challenge consists of so a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. Their approach is to see this as a challenge, rather than a race – but we suspect there may be an element of competition creeping in! The swim will be in open water at the Derwent Reservoir, and they are taking advantage of the fabulous bike routes we have in the area for the run and the cycling elements.
Fitness and Endurance
Iron Man contests are a great way to develop fitness and test endurance. For these young people to do this in aid of such a good cause makes their commitment even more impressive. They have chosen Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Steven Clark, a local man, taken too soon, who loved sport and would have certainly been impressed with the level of sporting, mental and emotional commitment they young re putting into this challenge.
Please Donate
There is still time to contribute. The challenge itself takes place in May Half Term, on the 25th May. Please donate, they would really appreciate your support.
Consett Heritage Project / September 13th, 2023
Anne-Louise Grant - Consett Heritage Podcast
Anne-Louise was born in Consett in 1966, and grew up in a village nearby. Her Grandad on one side was a postman and on the other side a miner. Her Dad was a metallurgist at the Steelworks and she had many family members who lived and worked in the area (and still do). She returned to Consett in 2004 to raise her family, having left to seek employment in London in 1989.
Wellbeing and the Arts / September 10th, 2024
Consett Heritage Project / September 10th, 2024
The Monster of Consett
Lucas, Jacob, Jayden, Alan, and Roan collaborated in groups to explore the deep impact of Consett Steelworks on their local community, uncovering both its positive and negative influences. They then transformed their insights into a powerful poem, capturing what it was like to live in Consett at that time.
Aspirations and Future Planning / January 15th, 2025
Supporting our Young People into University - Our Guide
One key talking point when visiting Newcastle University on our recent trips, was discussing the range of routes and support available to students from varying backgrounds, to ensure that they can still access the opportunities that more privileged students can access. This ranges from reduced grade offers, to financial support whilst at university, to a support network of similar students before they begin university; we have collated this helpful guide of some of these access schemes available in the North East.