CCF
WE HAD A BUMPER CROP of cadets attending national courses this year: Lucia Tilley( National Air and Space Camp), Oscar Skeels( RN Junior Leadership), Olly Hornshaw and Lawrence Lingard( RN Senior Leadership), Sebby Kent( Royal Marines Camp), James Tinline and Freddie Mitchell( Channel Islands sailing expedition), James Tinline and Tiggy Norfolk-Thompson( RYA Powerboat) and Bertie Turner( Expedition Tiree).
We have also had several cadets furthering their service: Lilia Shrubsole gained an RAF Sponsored Degree Apprenticeship, and Bertie Turner and Olly Hornshaw gained scholarships to Sandhurst, with Olly also being offered a gap year commission with the Coldstream Guards.
Many thanks to departing Pilot Officer Rob Norman who has brought knowledge and enthusiasm to the RAF for the last four years. Also thanks to parent Andy Robbens who has been helping out with the Army section on field days and summer camp. Our Senior Cadet prizewinners were Army: RSM Seb Whittaker; Royal Navy: WO1 Olly Hornshaw; and RAF: CWO Ed Neale.
The award of a second expansion grant from the MOD precedes what will be our biggest ever intake at Year 10 in September: a testament to the strength of the contingent.
Lt Col Paul Bassett
ARMY
It has been another great year in the Army section! For our new cadets, it was a year of firsts – from learning the basics of fieldcraft and drill to confidently handling the cadet GP rifle, they were thoroughly tested. Meanwhile, our senior cadets stepped up to greater responsibility, meeting the challenge of being role models, both as leaders and instructors in the field and on parade.
As a contingent, we were proud to continue our tradition of competition success, once again winning the Military Skills competition and defending our title as brigade champions. A team of senior cadets also undertook the prestigious Cambrian Patrol in Wales, a formidable assessment of endurance and knowledge that pushed them to their limits. This year also saw the return of our inter-platoon training section competition, fuelling strong rivalry among those in Year 10 – and their NCOs.
Summer camp brought fresh challenges: night recces, ambushes, TIBUA( Training In a Built-Up Area), the excitement of a live fire range day, and the rare chance to ride in a Chinook. These moments gave cadets the opportunity to apply their skills in a realistic, demanding environment. The Army section continues to grow in strength, and we look ahead with real excitement to the coming year.
CSgt Bertie Turner, Lower Sixth
100 TRIPS,, CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES