The Combined Cadet Force is an ever popular choice of co-curricular activity for pupils across a range of year groups. The CCF offers people aged between 13 and 18 the opportunity to tackle a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities. Excelling in Army and RAF regiments, boys from Shiplake become involved with a host of activities with their disciplines. They also practise advanced skills with training teams, led by Head of Outdoor Activity Mr Stephen Macpherson, and Head of the RAF section Mr Nick Sexton. On Wednesday 3 February, a presentation evening was held to celebrate achievements throughout the disciplines, with awards presented by Deputy Head Pastoral Mr Nick Brown.
The cadets donned their uniforms and headed to the Sports Hall for the celebratory service, honouring their achievements from their time in the CCF so far. RAF cadets Austin Burnand and Dom Allen (both Sixth Formers) received their instructor lanyards for passing the Method of Instruction Course. The course comprises a variety of hands on activities, providing cadets with formal training so that they are proficient in activities normally pursued by senior cadets on a day-by-day basis. Dom and Austin have chosen to concentrate on the RAF discipline.
Dom also received his BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development, along with Year 13 pupil Army cadet Tom Foster. The course combines classroom-based and outdoor activities, developing skills integral to becoming a successful member of a public service. Both Dom and Tom have excelled in this. Six Army cadets Bilal Akeil, Brett Fullard, Lewis Bishop, Aaron Khalfa, Jack Turnbull and Tom Coates were all promoted to Lance Corporal, having passed their basic army syllabus. This evening of celebration reflects all of the cadets’ hard work and commitment to the CCF.
Mr Stephen Macpherson commented that ‘the evening was a great success and the pupils had trained with great ardour and commitment. We’re looking forward to getting involved with further projects and, when the weather becomes warmer, we’ll be turning our hands towards outdoor pursuits such as sailing and orienteering. The CCF is not a walk in the park and the boys have displayed real promise getting stuck in.’
