Combined Cadet Force
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a disciplined youth organisation in which boys and girls develop not only leadership skills, but also the qualities of responsibility, self-confidence, teamwork and effective communication as well as enhancing their personal and social development. The CCF also gives the individual a greater awareness of the outdoor environment. As a voluntary organisation, self- discipline and responsibility assume great importance.
Cadets follow a varied programme of activities, including fieldcraft, drill, first aid, working with a map and compass, weapon handling, obstacle courses, and adventurous activities ranging from mountain biking to climbing and kayaking. Training takes place every Friday afternoon from 3.30pm, with occasional overnight exercises. An annual summer camp takes place during the first week of the holidays. Cadets are expected to adopt a high standard of turnout and behaviour at all times.
The CCF has much to offer the individual pupil and is a unique activity within the School Community, particularly as it involves boys and girls of all ages working and interacting together. Those cadets who join and remain in the Contingent acquire important skills and develop personal qualities which will be valuable in later life. This is particularly the case with older cadets who gain promotion to a level where they are responsible for the welfare, leadership and training of younger cadets of both sexes.
Pupils can join the CCF at the start of Form 2. As many of the activities undertaken by cadets are potentially hazardous, membership might be refused to those pupils who have shown that they have difficulty in exercising self-discipline while at school. This also applies to those who have had difficulty with behaving appropriately or relating to authority in school.
An annual fee (currently £50) is levied on all cadets each session as a contribution towards training and transport costs. It also contribute towards the cost of large items of equipment such as band equipment, tents, Kayaks, climbing equipment, CCF mountain bikes and the maintenance of the CCF climbing wall. An additional fee is also levied for those cadets attending Annual Camp or taking part in Adventure Training Expeditions. Cadets must supply their own boots, but all other uniform is supplied on loan.
Pupils in Form 1 are invited to apply during their summer term. Once an application has been received, and initially approved, recruits will commence training at the start of Form 2. All recruits must attend a two-day camp in October of Form 2, or they will not be allowed to continue in the CCF.