Lewis is 16 and in Year 12 at school. A confident, high achiever, he was convinced he had all the skills he needed to win the race to be Head Boy at his school. Whilst on his Outward Bound course, he realised that there’s more to being a leader than being at the front of the group and carrying people’s bags.

"On undertaking the course, I thought I knew about the difference between empathy and sympathy and could lead a group to success no matter what the situation. It became apparent that I needed to develop my communication skills if I was to be the leader I thought I was. The instructor on the course was prepared to make me think about others and how I could get the best of the team rather than me just putting a team member in to either carry their bag or make them a drink.”

He realised the importance of being aware of others, recognising and acting on their needs and opinions and how these skills will help him not just as Head Boy, but in the workplace later on in his career.

“I am standing for head boy and in the next week I will be speaking in front of the whole school.

My understanding of how to help others to help themselves will be a part of my speech. I don’t think I would have thought about that if it had not been for the feedback on the course."