Our biggest success this year was the Military Skills team which WO2 Sebastian Bray led to victory in the regional competition , securing us a place on the world-famous Cambrian Patrol Competition in 2024 . Summer camp at Crowborough saw 32 cadets put through an exhausting week of varied activities . Top Year 10 was won by LCpl Bertie Turner , WO2 Sebastian Bray was awarded the Best Cadet on Camp trophy , and Sevenoaks won the Best Contingent .
ROYAL NAVY
WO2 Sebastian Bray , Lower Sixth
The Royal Navy section continues to partake in a wide variety of activities parallel to regular Thursday afternoon sailing sessions at Bough Beech . Throughout the year we have covered syllabus learning , leadership training and sailing , but particular highlights have been the field days .
The October Field Day enabled Year 10 cadets to visit Rye Watersports for their first taste of dinghy sailing , while Year 11 and Sixth Form cadets had the opportunity to go afloat on the Solent . The field days have allowed us to build a strong sense of camaraderie between cadets . My favourite memory this year was from the June Field Day , when we sailed all the way from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight . Commanding our own motorboat , the Blue Swan , each of us took turns to helm , trusting and relying on each other for navigation . This was a challenging feat , especially since yachts and motorboats were foreign territory to us , but making it to the Isle of Wight was a huge moment of pride .
Other notable events have included the chocolate galleon competition , in celebration of Trafalgar Day , where cadets showed impressive creativity , each trying to recreate HMS Victory . Training for the 2023 Gun Run began at the beginning of the Summer term , with a strong team showing discipline and perseverance . We will continue to throw ourselves into this fulfilling endeavour .
WO Ruvanthika Ganesh , Lower Sixth
RAF
From great results in the Year 10 Drill Competition to the field days enjoyed by all , this has been a great year for the RAF section . The new Year 10 cohort started with enthusiasm , excelling in syllabus lessons as well as drill , and have shown themselves to be valuable members of the section . The NCOs not involved with Year 10 taught the Airmanship and Navigation syllabus to our Year 11 , and ran a variety of command tasks – a fond favourite being Sgt Adam Record ’ s exercise in which the whole section took part .
Getting to fly being the ultimate ambition of every cadet , our Lower Sixth had the opportunity to visit and fly at RAF Wittering , and further trips to the Battle of Britain Bunker , while some gliding at RAF Kenley completed the year . We say a fond farewell and thank you to our Upper Sixth NCOs , and in particular , to our head of section , CWO Ellie Rowland , whose hard work over the past year has kept the section running smoothly .
CWO Felix Ersser , Lower Sixth
REFLECTIONS ON FIVE YEARS IN THE CCF
After joining Sevenoaks in Year 9 , I was drawn to the CCF ’ s emphasis on discipline , teamwork and personal development – values which I thought were important .
Reflecting now on my time in the Army section , I am reminded of these values which have helped me become self-sufficient and confident in leadership . Knowing how to quickly control and assess a situation while remaining calm under stressful circumstances is one of the most important things I have ever learnt .
Although there is a seriousness to CCF , I love it because of the camaraderie and friendships that have been forged through common experiences and dedication . One must remember that ‘ no plan survives first contact ’: don ’ t plan your time at Sevenoaks , make decisions which will lead you to experience more fulfilling and valuable things . The CCF embodies all of the fundamental principles which help to make a well-rounded and confident person .
C / Sgt Tom Bristow , Upper Sixth
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