CCF and DofE - End of Term Report
This term has seen all sections of the CCF keeping themselves busy. Third Form have started the common training syllabus with weapon training, map reading, first aid and, of course, drill taking up most of their time. They have performed very well, throwing themselves into each activity and earning plenty of praise from their instructors.
The focus before and immediately after half-term was the Remembrance parade in Wellington. All cadets marched in the parade with the Third Form producing an excellent display in the cold and wet weather of Remembrance Sunday in front of hundreds of members of the public after only four hours of practice. The senior cadets for each section undertook wreath laying duties: cadet Flight Sergeant Tilly in Wellington and cadet Sergeant Ava in the school Chapel.
The CCF Field Day was focussed on intense weapon training for the Third Form and a day of instructional techniques testing for all senior cadets. Each cadet produced two lessons which were assessed, with the majority gaining their instructional qualifications on the day.
The RAF section participated in the Royal Air Squadron Trophy competition at RAF Cosford, producing excellent individual results and praise for their turnout.
The Wrekin College CCF had the honour of providing the cadet component for the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to Shropshire. Prince Edward observed the cadets completing a Gun Run and an indoor laser shotgun range. He spoke to several members of the contingent asking them about their cadet activities and their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
This term has seen the senior cohorts in the DofE awards scheme complete several of their expeditions and the Bronze cohort start their journey. The Fourth Form have started their award scheme learning the skills required to navigate their expeditions safely, ranging from first aid, through cooking and camp craft to map skills. They have taken to these activities well and are progressing towards their first practice expedition next term.
The Lower Sixth started their Silver award undertaking their practice expedition in the Shropshire Hills in October. Twenty five students participated over the weekend with six staff out on Friday for a training day around the Ercall and the expedition over Staurday and Sunday around the Stipperstones. The weather was very wet with temperatures dropping to zero at night: challenging stuff, but the skill levels of those participating improved considerably over the weekend.
The Gold cohort completed their qualifying expedition in the stunning surrounding of Snowdonia in September. Each group had an overall aim for their expedition and traversed the mountain valleys via a number of checkpoints to seperate campsites each night, being monitored by staff remotely.
The weather was mainly kind over the four days, with occasional heavy rain and low cloud, but the pupils pushed through, all reaching their respective campsites before dark. All groups enjoyed their wild camping locations on the first night and were very active in producing their films and journals throughout their expeditions. The post expedition briefing in Chapel was an excellent way for them to complete their expedition phase.
A very busy and challenging end to 2023 but all pupils have shown resilience and a willingness to succeed at their award level. Next term we look forward to getting the Bronze cohort up into the hills to demonstrate their capabilities.
Thank you to all staff and volunteers who have given their time and experience this term.
Mr Carter
