The Combined Cadet Force, at Gad’s Hill School, is a single service Army Contingent, affiliated to the Corps of Royal Engineers. It was formed in 2000, with a first parade strength of some 30 cadets. Since then, CCF at the School has grown year on year, and now, boasts an establishment of over 150 cadets.
We are a very committed, and successful, contingent and regularly enter cadets for such events as Military Skills Competition, CADSAAM and the Household Cavalry Horse Trials. Our cadets are also involved in a high level of community engagement, with cadets representing the school on Remembrance Sunday, Corps Memorial Day, the General Gordon Parade, Armed Forces Day and Mayoral inauguration.
What is the Combined Cadet Force?
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a unique educational partnership that operates in schools across the UK. Through enjoyable military themed and adventurous activities, cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility, develop skills such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.
There are around 500 CCF contingents in schools and colleges throughout the UK, with about two-thirds in state schools and a third in independent schools. CCF contingents contain one or more sections from the Army, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or the Royal Air Force, and promote the aims and values of the Service they represent.
Today the CCF contingents form a vibrant, inclusive youth organisation for pupils aged between 13 and 18, offering significant developmental opportunities in a unique educational partnership with the schools in which they are based. Membership of a school cadet unit can positively affect attendance and behaviour and can deliver personal development outcomes that are recognised by Ofsted as a valued addition to a child’s education.
The Army Section
The CCF Army aims to prepare young people for lifelong success, and, inspire cadets to achieve, whilst promoting the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community.
Being part of the CCF Army provides a wonderful, and unique, opportunity to take part in exciting Army themed training activities and events, all of which focus on building the cadets; courage, self-discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and commitment as well as developing effective communication skills, confidence, being part of a team with a winning spirit and a sense of pride and achievement.
Of paramount importance, throughout all we do, is that cadets enjoy a fun, enjoyable experience in a totally safe environment. There is absolutely no commitment, or expectation, for cadets to join the regular Armed Forces when they have completed their schooling.
CCF Army at Gad’s Hill School
CCF is a compulsory part of the curriculum At Gad’s Hill. We firmly believe that the development of core personal strengths, such as self-confidence, self-discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership is every bit as important for young people as their academic progress.
To that end, participation in the CCF is required for all pupils in our Lower Fourth (Year 8), and above, and CCF sessions are incorporated into our weekly timetable on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
In these sessions, cadets undertake a range of activities including Skill at Arms, Fieldcraft, First Aid, Navigation, Drill, Command tasks and Adventurous training. Our cadets also study, via their CCF sessions, for a BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development, an Institute of Leadership & Management Diploma, and an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, to go alongside their academic GCSEs as evidence of the well-rounded, confident young leaders that they have become.
As cadets progress, through the syllabus, they are promoted on merit, and are encouraged to take part in the instruction and training of new recruits, as Junior NCOs. This type of experience is invaluable as cadets learn the key skills required to communicate, manage and lead those in their care. Certainly, the value of this alone has proven particularly beneficial for those furthering their education, or, entering the workplace.
Enrichment Opportunities
Training is further enhanced with optional enrichment activities such as Fieldcraft days, Overnight exercises, Range days and other supporting activities. These run throughout each term, and culminate in the CCF annual camp, whereby all skills are honed and tested. This is delivered by 11 Brigade Cadet Training Team, with the bulk of the instruction being delivered by regular serving soldiers, from a whole host of different regiments.
These opportunities are greatly enjoyed by all those who attend, as they give the cadet the opportunity to apply their newly learnt skills in stimulating environments, and, to further develop their personal attributes.
The Department of Education and the Ministry of Defence fully endorse the cadet movement. As such the majority of costs, and equipment, are provided for through a generous grant. However, at times, a small cost may be sought for perishable items and feeding.
Summary
The impact of the Cadet Forces across a range of areas for young people cannot be underestimated. In a recent study, by the University of Northampton, they concluded that the movement has a positive impact on the self-efficacy of all cadets, through the development of non-cognitive skills, which are so sought after by employers and can contribute towards educational success. Certainly, this is something we, as staff, can bear testament to.
It is also especially clear that cadets confidence, their work ethic in relation to academic rigour, teamwork, and social skills are greatly improved as a consequence of the cadet experience. Mental and physical health, too, are positively enhanced through regular participation, both, key aspects which contribute to the happy, and successful learner.
