“It doesn’t matter how long I spend trying to explain what Columba 1400 is like - you just have to go and experience it yourself before you really understand”.
- Young People's Leadership Academy Graduate
our programmes
Drawing on the strengths of a myriad of sources, each and every Columba 1400 programme delivers a creatively developed and impeccably delivered experience. Described by one participant as an "inward bound" experience, our core leadership curriculum has been designed to utilise the dramatic natural surroundings and our world-class venue.
Regardless of the avenue into Columba 1400 each participant is given a clean slate and every respect in both an inspiring internal and external environment. These silent communications register a message: that each participant has the real and present ability to make a positive difference in their community - which of course, each participant has.
Each Columba 1400 programme experience shares the foundation of the Columban Code of Responsible Leadership and Columba 1400's core philosophy. St Columba inspired the organisation because his direct way of responding to individual problems suggested an answer to the social problems of today. Our programmes have developed to meet these needs. Since HRH the Princess Royal opened the Columba 1400 centre on3 June 2000, more than 1500 individuals have graduated from our academies. Our programmes include:
Young People's Leadership Academy
This programme is for young people from tough realities, including young people leaving local authority care. This powerful experiential programme has had impressive results.
Head Teacher Leadership Academy and Ambassadors' Leadership Academy
These programmes bring the Columban challenge to educational leadership. We act on the belief that to change the culture in schools we must work to transform and renew the leaders within these systems. These leaders exist at every level: amongst students, faculty and senior and strategic management.
Coracle Programme
This programme (which draws on Columba's experience of The Gemini Project), brings together people from different experiences, typically a ‘corporate’ stream of business leaders and a ‘community’ stream of young people from tough realities, including graduates from our leadership academy. The Coracle puts all participants in the boat together and allows them to learn and grow their awareness of themselves and others.
Every intensive experience includes discussion sessions, workshops, simulations and activities. A variety of programme options exist for the tailoring and enhancement of the experience. These are chosen in coordination with the investor and organisers to meet specific objectives faced by the target group. Bespoke requests are arranged for and aligned within the academy schedule.
Anchored within the academy experience is Columba's Challenge, a personal plan for implementing learned concepts upon return. A personal challenge is identified and outlined, revised and refined until a clear issue and response has been explored. Supporters to this process are identified in each participant's home community to assist in monitoring progress.