Staff supporting Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

BEDFORD GIRLs SCHOOL

STAFF SUPPORTING COMBINED CADET FORCE

“I like CCF as it creates a wonderful environment to make new friends, not only with the students at the boys school but also with the staff.

I like the involvement of staff as it creates a trustworthy bond but also creates a supportive environment, for instance during our Cadre, Mrs Hooker was a great support and we had a wonderful time together.”

Current Year 11 cadet

“As a CCF Officer I have some tremendous experiences personally but also with cadets. The cadets have had opportunities that have really stretched their comfort zones. It has been a real pleasure and honour to see them grow in confidence and flourish as young leaders.”

Lt P Milton (Head of RN Section)

THE COMBINED CADET FORCE Experiential learning and the co-curricular programme are a key element of a BGS education; they build learner attributes, confidence and independence in our students.

Staff run an exceptionally rich and rewarding programme offering extensive opportunities for our students. Participation in the co-curricular is a core component of every teacher’s role.

We have offered the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) programme, in conjunction with Bedford School for over 25 years, our joint Corp currently comprises over 200 Bedford School and BGS students. It is a hugely popular and successful programme, which offers rich rewards to both the students and the staff volunteers.

Many of our students have gone on to hold leadership positions within the Corp; and have continued their involvement with the armed forces post-school at university and beyond. Skills are developed which are transferable to all elements of their lives and the experiences through the CCF often define their BGS education.

Without the on-going commitment of BGS staff our involvement in the programme would not be possible and our students will not benefit from this incredible opportunity.

The CCF meet at Bedford School on a Wednesday after school (4.30pm-6pm) for weekly core training. Across the year there is a huge range of activities which both students and staff volunteers get involved in.

To find out about next steps, please contact Pippa Milton who is the CCF lead for BGS philippa.milton@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk.

She would be happy to chat to you and answer any questions you may have about getting involved.

WHAT IS THE CCF? The CCF is a national programme with funding from the Ministry of Defence. It aims to promote leadership and teamwork skills through engaging young people in active and challenging activities linked to training in the Armed Forces.

It is open to students from Years 9 and above.

There are three sections; Army, Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Air Force (RAF). Each staff volunteer is assigned to a section.

Through CCF our students build resilience, independence and leadership skills. Students strengthen collaboration and communication skills as well as gaining huge self-confidence by overcoming fears and trying new extraordinary experiences.

Past experiences have included: • Sailing with cadets in Spain • Being on HMS Northumberland as she sailed from Plymouth to Gibraltar • Flown in RAF planes and helicopters • Flying lessons and time in flight simulators • Canoeing • Sub aqua training • Numerous camps and outdoor training weekends and trekking opportunities • Observing army sniffer and rescue dogs training • Trips to NI with the RAF • Participation in rifle shooting competitions and training camps “As a Non-Commissioned Officer, I believe CCF creates the perfect opportunity to work with the younger years and teach them something new. Through CCF I feel as though I have made many friends and have enjoyed the company of the younger years a lot. The staff are also helpful as they understand how to assert authority over the cadets when need be, which teaches the NCOs how to teach their cadets better.”

Current Year 11 Cadet

WHY VOLUNTEER? Staff involvement in the CCF programme is uniquely rewarding and uplifting. If you enjoy teamwork, being outside and trying new experiences this is the club for you! It will take you out of your comfort zone and provide memorable life enhancing moments: • You gain a greater network of colleagues by working with staff from across both the BGS and Bedford School communities.

• You build unique relationships with students as you support them through transformational experiences; it helps you gain a deeper understanding of the students in your care, which can be taken back to the classroom.

• Volunteers are paid by the MOD for attendance at camps, courses and specific training activities.

• School provides time for staff to attend training and other CCF related activities.

• Uniforms are all provided.

• Opportunities to attend Officer training courses to build professional skill set and to meet like minded staff from other schools.

WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT? • 1.5 hours a week on a Wednesday to support cadet training • Approximately 4 weekend camps a year (shared depending upon number of staff volunteers and availability) • In addition, the Army and RAF each have a summer camp for a week each year and staff are needed to support these camps • Staff attend Remembrance Service parade in November and the Annual General Inspection in March • There are 2 to 3 Corps Dinners each year and opportunities to socialise with other staff volunteers at the end of each term • Staff are fully supported throughout the programme

STAFF REFLECTION “I joined the CCF early in October 2019 going along with Emma Pearl after school on Wednesday evenings.

I wanted to get involved with an extracurricular activity that would expose me to new experiences, introduce me to new people outside of my usual circle and give me access to some outdoor activity. Sadly COVID came along and my involvement was curtailed.

When CCF meetings resumed I was able to start attending regularly and trying to understand all that was going on. Very quickly I went on a weekend camp and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I camped out in the open, I wore camouflage make-up and my new outfit accessories were bracken, twigs and leaves. I found my self walking through overgrown fields and being ambushed by a group of very enthusiastic cadets. All very exciting and a little bit surreal.

The benefit of being part of the CCF includes being able to take part in a mini-adventure, learn new skills and generally gain information about a part of life I had never previously ever thought about. On camp, at CCF meetings and around the school I have conversations with students with whom I would probably never had had contact with. On the RAF competition day, I was totally absorbed by the individual events the cadets were taking part in and found myself shouting encouragement and cheering on the side lines.

As yet I have not come across any negatives, I think I am still quite new to the world of CCF and may still be in the honeymoon period.

The time expectations have not been at all onerous; a weekly commitment to the meetings on a Wednesday during term time and then any camps or competition days I am available for. I have been fortunate that I am excused early from School in order to arrive at CCF meetings on time thus making my time at the meetings better utilised.

All in all I am really enjoying being part of the CCF and hope to become a NCO later in the year once my qualifying period is complete.”

E. Hooker (Science technician)

BEDFORD GIRLs SCHOOL