Year 8 pupils at Rydal Penrhos took part in a special parade and inspection to conclude a successful term with the Combined Cadet Force.

A Rydal Penrhos extra-curricular opportunity that continues to go from strength to strength is the Combined Cadet Force initiative, which has proven most popular for pupils from Year 8 right up to Year 11 since its inception.

The programme builds key life skills they can take with them throughout education and later life and aims to promote responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a sense of service to the community.

Year 8 cadets took part in their final parade of the term just before the Christmas break, where they were inspected by Lt Col Martin Stead and Captain Alun Brown on the school’s astroturf.

Captain Brown tested them on their basic knowledge of parts of the rifle, ranks and our sponsor regiment the 1st Queens’ Dragoon Guards. All cadets passed their inspection with flying colours, which was a testament to how hard each pupil has worked since joining the thriving provision.

Lt Col Martin Stead commented that many had improved significantly during the course of the term. Not all Year 8 CCF cadets were present because each half term a small section rotate onto outdoor education skills, where they have focused on indoor climbing led ably by Dr Jim Lewis.

The Year 8 CCF programme of training means that all cadets have the chance to take part in outdoor education skills as well as military training. This includes first aid, map reading, fieldcraft and leadership, all the while building friendships and communication skills along the way.

After the parade Sgt Phil Hilton conducted a training session in the Rydal Penrhos swimming pool, where very cadet took part in their military swim test which included treading water for four minutes and swimming 100 metres wearing their military trousers and shirts.

After the test, Sgt Hilton then proceeded to show the cadets how to create a flotation device using their trousers. Everyone involved enjoyed themselves themselves enormously and picked up some vital survival skills.

After the final parade, Evan Lewis-Stone and Cammie de la Mare Norris were promoted from Cadet to Cadet Junior Leader in recognition of their exceptional commitment. Well done to all our CCF cadets on their dedication during the autumn term.