The Combined Cadet Force is an important part of the co-curricular life at Shiplake College, with many pupils choosing to pursue one of the disciplines as part of the wider curriculum. Pupils learn a great deal of transferable skills in undertaking training with the CCF, including interpersonal attributes, leadership, motivation and resilience. In order to celebrate another successful academic year with the CCF, Director Mr Steve Macpherson arranged a formal dinner. Thank you to Mr Macpherson for the following report:
‘At the end of April, the annual CCF dinner took place in the OVR. This event is held to thank the College CCF staff and external people, who enable the packed programme of CCF events to take place, and provide the cadet experience for pupils. We also take the opportunity to thank the senior cadets for their efforts ahead of their departure from Shiplake College, for pastures new. This year was a cosy affair, as we only had one senior cadet to bid farewell. Cadet Sgt Austin Burnand is a fine cadet, who upholds all that is good about the cadet forces. He has stuck with the CCF through a lot of changes and has remained positive throughout, attending a number of courses and making the most of the wonderful array of opportunities that we have offered for the first time this year. We wish Austin all the very best for his future plans, and hope that, when he looks back at his time with the Shiplake CCF, it is with happy memories. Certainly, the memory of seeing Austin stuck in a hole on the side of a ski trail in Norway will make me smile for many a year to come!
And from those who are completing their CCF journey, to those who are just starting out. Three of our Junior RAF cadets have just been awarded their Blue Pilot Wings. The issuing of these to cadets is an acknowledgement by the RAF HQ Air Cadets, of high personal achievement by the recipient. It not only marks significant flying skills learnt, in handling aircrafts in the air, but also the in-depth knowledge of general aviation ground studies. This much coveted award is not easy to achieve, requiring dedication and time to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills demanded of gaining pilot wings. It is also an indication of the self-motivation, self-reliance and growing leadership skills acquired by the wearer. Congratulations to Harry Yates, Haydon Stride and Dominic John-Vallee, for achieving this accolade.’