CCF RAF

CCF RAF Field Days

The RAF Section enjoyed two field days in October 2021. The first was based at school as it was arranged for two hot air balloon pilots to visit the College and talk about the physics and engineering of ballooning. They inflated and tethered two balloons on New Fields and there was also a remote-controlled balloon demonstration. Pupils were able to stand in the basket and ask as many questions as they wanted. That evening the Fourth Form went to join the Army Section up at BB to learn about fieldwork such as basha building, ration packs and fire building. Those remaining visited RAF Brize Norton the following day where they boarded a C-17 aircraft, visited the Air Training Corps and the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit, and received information about career pathways and the lifestyle in the military. The highlight for many was being able to test out the firehose on one of the new fire engines!

In July the RAF Section, now comprising just the Lower Sixth and Fourth Form due to public exams and study leave, completed four consecutive field days. The first day was spent at an airshow in Swansea at which students were able to view a wide range of aircraft take to the skies, including a Chinook, and some AeroSuperBatics

Wingwalkers! On 4th July, SOFly visited the school, bringing with them two commercial flight simulators for pupils to try, and explaining the principles of flight (part of the RAF theory syllabus) and what it takes to become a pilot. The remaining two days were spent in the Wye Valley with the Navy Section. Pupils camped overnight and engaged in daytime activities such as orienteering, canoeing and campfire building. They clearly enjoyed the time away from the academic timetable at the end of term, to unwind with friends but also to learn and master new skills.

Pride Society

We began the academic year in bright and colourful fashion with a rainbow tye dye session with Ms Scott to create a fabulous array of clothing. Later during the term, we were lucky enough to Zoom chat with Addy Tyler and Ffion Evans, director and actor of the wonderful short film, Just Me. Being able to talk to Addy and Ffion about the process and experience gave us all some assurance that LGBTQIA+ friendly media is on the rise. In the Lent Term we had a brilliant talk from acclaimed writer Dr Finn MacKay on feminism and the LGBTQ+ community. We also hosted the first BEP Pride event with students from City Academy, Redmaids’, Fairfield High, QEH and Colston’s. Our special guest was the poet Caleb Parkin, the most vibrant, delightful and enthusiastic speaker. He shared his poetry with us and we had an insightful chat with the aid of some questions provided by the audience.