[ CCF BOARDING ]
Teaching important values for life Lieutenant Colonel Marc Godfrey, Contingent Commander, The Royal Hospital School (RHS) Combined Cadet Force a Pioneer Corps which has built an obstacle course and target indication range. The RAF section provides cadets with the fantastic opportunity to fly, both in gliders and in the two-seater Grob tutor. Competition is encouraged and each year the Contingent competes in the RN CCF National Regatta, the RM Pringle Trophy competition, the Army Combat Cadet competition and the RAF Cranwell competition with some good success rates. There is also the possibility of gaining formal qualifications by enrolling on the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services and also through the National Citizen Service; a flagship Government civil society programme aimed at 16 and 17 year olds delivered by the Office for Civil Society.
T
he Royal Hospital School (RHS) Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which is one of the largest contingents in the country, contributes fundamentally to the life of the School; teaching invaluable lessons in leadership, self-reliance, and responsibility, as wells as important skills for life beyond school, no matter what career path is chosen. With around 200 Services families at the Royal Hospital School, it is clear that these benefits are held in high regard when choosing a school for their children. CCF encourages youngsters to explore the countless opportunities available and to develop skills that can be hugely important to them in later life. They participate in a wealth of activities; take part in competition and ultimately feel a sense of achievement. Leadership is one of the most important skills taught and cadets can progress from recruit to senior NCO, although not all will aspire, or have the ability to achieve the senior posts. Nonetheless, they have the scope for exercising leadership in a variety of areas and can develop in confidence by taking charge of a section. It is very often these children who are also successful in achieving positions as School Prefects and, later in life, as leaders in whatever field they choose. CCF activities are inclusive and, above all else, fun. For those in Year 9 (13-14 years) at the Royal
Hospital School it is compulsory but from Year 10 pupils may choose whether to continue; however, as the most exciting activities are associated with CCF, many opt to continue throughout their time at school! Basic weekly training takes place on a Friday afternoon, generally led by the NCOs, but the highlights are always weekend field days and camps in exciting parts of the UK and overseas. The courses and camps provide many opportunities for personal development and allow the young people to experience hardship and excitement in a controlled and safe environment. There are four CCF sections; the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force, and at RHS these also have active participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon and the Windsor Horse Show, as part of the CCF equestrian team. The RN is primarily concerned with waterbased activities and the strength of this section at the Royal Hospital School is a direct result of the School’s 300 year historic seafaring links. RHS is one of the few schools that have a RM section, which focuses on military training together with the Army section. The latter also has a REME section which maintains the School’s Land Rovers and
24 I Education for the Military I www.educationforthemilitaryfamily.org.uk
Many of the adults involved in CCF at the Royal Hospital School have previously served with the Regulars or Reserves in all branches of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. Currently twelve teaching staff have served in the ranks up to Warrant Officer, and in Commissioned Service up to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Their prior military experience enhances training for the cadets and maintains strong links between the School and their parent’s units. When carrying out their prime roles in the classroom or in the boarding houses this experience enables them to have a special understanding of the needs and aspirations of Services families. The CCF flourishes at the Royal Hospital School and provides an enormous benefit to pupils in terms of their personal development and enhancing their educational experience. The facets instilled in children at this early age will resonate clearly with serving members of the armed forces. The Royal Hospital School is a coeducational boarding school for 700 11 to 18 year olds set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. The School offers exceptional fees for services families eligible for CEA and generous bursaries for pupils with a parent or grandparent who has served for at least 3 years in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Auxiliary Service or merchant navy.
For more information contact: Admissions on 01473 326210 or admissions@royalhosptialschool.org