On Monday 19th March All Saints’ Academy CCF had our first ever Biennial inspection. This inspection occurs once every two years where a leading officer visits and checks that we are providing adequate provision via our CCF programme.
This year our officer was Wing Commander Martin Larwood-Hughes. We were also joined by Mr McNiffe, Sue Padfield (Chair of Governors), Squadron Leader Les Tanner (who helped us set up the original CEP partnership), Squadron Leader Roger Taylor, SO2 cadets Stuart Spencer and our Test Sargeant Ray Cooper.
The day we had been planning for arrived, with a slight worry about the weather, but luckily the snow did not stop us going ahead. I was lucky to have the help of Cadet Sargent Declan Austin, and Corporal Gabriela Krakowiak to help me make sure that the cadets were primed and ready for the visit.
The afternoon began with cakes and tea, and a discussion about the how we could make the school cadet force, grow and flourish. We had the opportunity to discuss how this enriched all students involved and went through the many different activities that the RAF can offer our cadets. It was the shared feeling that the CCF should offer cadets opportunities to grow, through leadership courses, flying, travel to foreign camps and the multitude of experiences – making them better citizens for the future.
The cadets, lead by Sgt Austin, showed some of their drill skills, and had a uniform inspection by the Wing Commander. The general comments were very positive about the turn out of the cadets. This made me especially happy after the weeks of uniform prep lessons we had undertaken.
The younger cadets went to work with the RAF Outreach team on some leadership tasks, whilst the more experienced cadets did some Skill at Arms with Sgt Cooper.
Both groups then joined together for some team work games.
At the end of the session the Wing Commander spoke to all the cadets about grasping the opportunities that were on offer to them, and how this could help them in the future. The cadets left feeling motivated and ready for the future – whether that be St Mawgan camp in July, Gibraltar camp or the Aerospace camp in the summer holidays.
Upon leaving all the attendees commented on the manners and willingness to listen from our cadets, and we now await the final report – which I have been assured will be favourable.
Once again I was left feeling very proud, as Contingent Commander of All Saints’ Academy CCF.
Flying Officer E Wellington
