Personally Tailored Teaching
Combined Cadet Force
About the CCFAll pupils join the CCF aged 14 and have a choice of Army or RAF Sections. They learn the military rudiments including drill and survival, shooting and safety, and are also able to participate in a wide variety of adventurous activities including, rock climbing, canoeing, hill walking and camping. RAF cadets can also go flying in order to complete their first year's training. The CCF then becomes voluntary, but many stay on to pursue leadership courses and the opportunity to become NCOs. They are then able to instruct the younger cadets. Annually a team participates in the 100 mile Nijmegen Marches. |
Pipe BandOne of the advantages of a large campus at Henderson Row is a lot of room for a marching band. The Academy CCF takes full advantage of this with its Pipes and Drums. Since the foundation of the band in 1910, Academy pipers have been privileged to learn under a number of distinguished teachers. The enthusiasm and skill of the Pipes and Drums which have resulted from this expert tuition over the years have been rewarded by many victories in the Scottish Schools Competition and by the appreciation of all who hear and see their marching displays in the school, in the community and overseas. |
The sections
Army Section |
RAF Section |
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During weekly CCF training, first year cadets learn the fundamentals of shooting, drill, navigation, fieldcraft, self reliance and first aid. Once in their second year, cadets learn to teach, give 10 minute talks, cope with leadership through initiative exercises, and also complete a Signals Course using radios. Half way through their second year, cadets who have passed the NCO Cadre Course become eligible for promotion. Eventually Junior NCOs progress onto the Senior NCO Course where they take part in more specialist training which allows cadets to develop their skills and leadership potential, many choose to attend external courses. The skills acquired not only equip cadets to teach others but also help to develop independence of thought, problem-solving and confidence building, key elements in self development. These term-time activities are punctuated by an assortment of Field Days and visits to service basis throughout the year. Teams from the section take part in a variety of annual competitions including first aid, military skills and shooting. Camps provide for many the highlight of the year, traditionally the Academy run two, one week camps, at Easter and Summer. Both offer a variety of opportunities and challenges in unfamiliar surroundings; they improve self confidence and determination whilst a great deal of emphasis is placed on team work. For all it is a great social occasion, enjoying a week away from home with their friends. Cadets develop so much during CCF training; those who choose to take part in an external camp benefit most.
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The school RAF section offers the best of several worlds, providing substantial amounts of flying, during the term and on camp, as well as many outdoor activities. Cadets gain regular Air Experience Flying during term-time in both the Bulldog powered training aircraft and Viking gliders. During the Easter and Summer holidays cadets go to camp on RAF bases nationwide. While there, they enjoy flying in new aircraft, night exercises and section visits, to see the different areas of the RAF at work. Older boys may do work experience with the different sections. In addition to the main Summer and Easter Camps there are a variety of other camps and courses, to which the Academy regularly sends cadets. These include camps in Cyprus and Germany, the RAF Halton Leadership course and both Gliding & Flying Scholarships. There is also the opportunity to take part in the International Air Cadet Exchange, a prestigious exchange scheme admitting only nine cadets from the UK. The RAF Section’s popularity within the School is reflected by the large numbers volunteering to join and the fact that 75-80% of cadets choose to remain in the section after the compulsory first year.
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