Pupils in the Combined Cadet Force enjoyed a field day on Wednesday 22 March, with the different disciplines travelling to different areas in order to learn practical skills used in the CCF. Field days are important for cadets, as it gives them the opportunity to learn new skills on actual army and navy grounds. Thank you to Head of Outdoor Education Mr Steve Macpherson for the following report on the recent successful experiences.
The Royal Navy section cadets undertook the practical elements needed to complete their proficiency syllabus training. For their adventurous training activity, the cadets travelled to Reading Climbing Centre, where they spent the morning learning several climbing skills including bouldering, group and individual belaying and using the automatic belay wall. All the cadets took on board the various skills well and were soon tackling some difficult ascents, impressing the instructor with their enthusiasm and effort. The group then travelled to Henley Leisure Centre where the cadets underwent the RN swim test, all passed allowing them to undertake waterborne training next term. We then returned to the College and spent the afternoon on the Thames. Senior Cadet Daniel Anstey took charge of instructing the junior cadets in afloat training on board the RN Section’s Cheverton Champ. Skills practised included helming, navigating, mooring and coming alongside. The cadets all passed their basic afloat training test and are now promoted to the rank of AB 1 star.
The field day for the Army cadets was conducted over a 36-hour period at Abingdon training area near the Dalton Barracks. 21 pupils completed a variety of field exercises, including range shooting, pairs fire and manoeuvre with section battle drills, and a night-time reconnaissance mission. Boys practiced many of the skills related to their basic and advanced Army syllabus such as camp craft, harbouring and feeding in the field. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the event and returned to College happy but exhausted! Major James Arney, Mr Aled Elmore and Mr Jason James for supervising and assisting in the delivery of the training.
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The RAF Section travelled to RAF Benson for a flying experience in the tutor aircraft. Unfortunately, the weather prevented flying in the morning, so the cadets had the opportunity to visit areas of the RAF camp. Luckily the weather improved in the afternoon and all the cadets managed to get airborne. They were treated to amazing views of the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside.