Combined Cadet Force
The CCF exists to develop powers of leadership by promoting the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.
Membership is compulsory for two years (Fourth and Fifth Form after a taster during the Summer Term of the Third Form). Many pupils choose to remain members during the Sixth Form in senior positions or to take part in the wider variety of sections available to them.
The CCF has 9 Officers who are all members of the College Staff, a Warrant Officer (SSI) and a Piping Instructor. Several have previous military experience. In addition the CCF employs a number of adult instructors who have specialist skills and is regularly assisted by visits from current Service personnel.
Pupils can attend a wide variety of courses provided by the military throughout the year and are able to attend an Annual Camp at the beginning of the Summer Holidays.
The College uses a local miniature range whilst its own is being rebuilt and the CCF sends a shooting team to compete each year at Bisley as well as taking part in more local competitions.
Some of the keenest Cadets have achieved Glider Pilot licences, nationally recognised UK leadership awards, been seconded to Banff in Canada for adventurous training and military skills during the Summer and gone on to be awarded Cadetships and Bursaries whilst at University. One current Cadet holds an Army scholarship.
A small number each year are inspired to begin a career in the regular forces, although this is not a primary aim of CCF.
The best cadets from all Sections are selected for the NCO Cadre course. This involves leadership training, methods of instruction techniques and demands that pupils demonstrate a very high level of competence in the essential cadet skills. Cadets who pass the course become junior NCO's and have the opportunity after gaining relevant experience of further promotion, possibly as far as Cadet Warrant Officer. One pupil each year will be made Head of CCF.
Cadets start by learning about safety in the workshop, routine driver maintenance and basic car control before practising driving skills. In time this leads to simple repairs and parts replacement and more advanced driving techniques. There are also opportunities to visit car showrooms, try go-karting and look at how Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer units fit into the regular Army structure.
A PADI qualified instructor gives instruction initially at the College Swimming Pool in skin diving and the use of aqua-lung before taking groups out for open water dives.
