It’s been an action-packed and exciting start for the BGS Combined Cadet Force (CCF) students who, together with boys from Bedford School, make up the 76 cadets taking part in the co-curricular activity programme.

As a partnership between BGS, Bedford School and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the cadets encounter a range of activities that they would not normally experience, and through these they develop leadership and communication skills and ultimately confidence. From adventurous activities such as sailing, to learning how to properly use a radio, to going for a flight in a Grob Tutor, CCF offers our students the opportunity to try things out of their comfort zone.

Reflections of recent CCF activities from the Upper Sixth students:

Eloise (Head of Teaching for the Navy) said: “It has been good to get back to training as a whole section, the first time since March 2020. This term we have been sailing larger sailing boats called Argo's. This has been a new experience to all those in the section since we had previously sailed smaller Pico's. Everyone in the section has worked tremendously well to work as a team to make sure we have been able to have fun on the water. We have enjoyed meeting the new cadets in Year 10 and look forward to seeing Year 9 recruits in the coming term.”

Anika said: “As Head of Training I work with Cadet RSM, Velvet Few-Wiegratz (Upper Sixth), to create training programmes for the RAF and Army sections. This term the RAF are working towards the Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition (RAST) at the end of November. We will be tested on various areas of our training such as shooting and aircraft recognition. It’s a great opportunity to touch up our knowledge and meet new friends from other schools.

Mrs Milton (Lieutenant with the Royal Navy) added: “CCF is a great opportunity for students to develop and learn life skills. Leadership is a key part of the promotion structure. The older students lead the younger recruits. Each of the three sections (RAF, RN and Army) have a different focus, but all offer a range of activities, which the cadets thoroughly enjoy.”

There are two field trips coming up for the Army and RAF cadets in October for the first time since lockdown. They’ll have the opportunity to learn new drills and shoot with a barbecue to finish the five days off.