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Year 8 CCF pupils complete “Build a Basha” challenge
April 1, 2021

Members of Rydal Penrhos’ Combined Cadet Force initiative took part in a special challenge during the remote learning period.

Although learning methods changed dramatically for Rydal Penrhos pupils during the second educational lockdown, it did not stop progression from continuing in an impressive fashion both during online lessons and during the school’s extra-curricular provision that proves so beneficial to overall development.

This was truly evident from the Combined Cadet Force initiative, which has gone from strength-to-strength since reforming in 2019 thanks to the sterling work of programme leaders Capt. Alun Brown and Sgt. Phil Hilton.

A hoard of new recruits joined the provision earlier in the academic year after it was introduced to Year 8 pupils, with the CCF providing training in a socially distanced environment during the lockdown period with online tutorials and special challenges designed to enhance key skills from the comfort of their own homes.

Of course, thinking on your feet is the hallmark of any good cadet. So, in addition to the online sessions being put on by CCF staff at the school, those involved are also benefitting from extra virtual sessions led by leading figures within the Armed Forces.

One such task involving Year 8 came in the form of their recent ‘Build a Basha’ task, which is a waterproof canvas or plastic sheet with eyelets or loops on the perimeter.

They are used in camping, outdoor, or military situations to act as a shelter, in the form of an impromptu tent or groundsheet, with the Basha usually supported with rope or even bungee cords attached to trees.

Using materials found around the home, each pupil put together a video detailing the design and constriction step-by-step from the comfort of their own back gardens before sending it to Capt. Brown and Sgt. Hilton, who were most impressed with the standard of commitment from Year 8.

The CCF aims to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community.

Forty per cent of a cadet’s time is spent on adventurous training activities. By joining the CCF cadets also have the opportunity to get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community and to gain nationally recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and BTECs.

Joining the CCF provides an opportunity to take part in Army activities and events, all of which will focus on building confident, responsible and independent thinking young people.

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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.