The scheme was set up at KSA in January and it has proved to be very popular, with between 20 and 30 students regularly attending.

To achieve the bronze award, participants have to complete the six-month course and dedicate a certain amount of time to volunteering and physical activity as well as planning and embarking on an expedition.

So far, students have undertaken activities such as decorating a care home, working in a charity shop and helping out at charity fetes and functions.

The biggest challenge will be the expedition when they have to demonstrate that they can navigate the countryside independently of adults over the course of two days, including one night's camping and cooking a hot meal.

Teaching Assistant Jo Ward has been leading the group and she said: "They have grown up a lot in the short time we have been running the programme and they have become much more independent.

"It proves commitment and that you have wide skills base, along with showing that you are able to work on your own or in a team to help yourself and others.

"Nothing else they do covers such a range of activities and it's different to anything else they do.

"It's a nationally-recognised qualification and it means a great deal to them."

The students are planning to hold their expedition in Thetford, Norfolk.

As of September, the group will meet once a term in school holidays for a full day.