Combined Cadet Force
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is offered to pupils in the Fourth Form (Year 10) and above. It’s an organisation run along military lines providing a framework through which young people develop qualities like leadership, team work, self-reliance, resourcefulness, and responsibility, as well as engendering a sense of public service.
The CCF at Reed’s is split into two sections, each of which organises specific training relative to the cadets' chosen section. The Army section is affiliated to the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and the Royal Air Force section to RAF Odiham. It is organised and run by members of staff - the Officers (several of whom have previous military service) and Sixth Form cadet NCOs (Non Commissioned Officers). A full time School Staff Instructor (SSI) oversees the daily administration of both sections.
Initially, all cadets join the Army section and undertake the same training programme. They then opt to stay with the Army section or switch to the RAF. Each year cadets take part in two overnight exercises and a week long camp along with range days, flying days with the RAF and visits to historical or military events. The CCF also enters teams into competitions such as the Cadet Clay Target Shooting Championships, The Welbeck Cup and the RAF Air Squadron Trophy.
The Corps of Drums have appeared at various important events including the Queen’s Birthday celebrations at the Tower of London, the British Military Tournament, The Tate Gallery and major School events.
Cadets are encouraged to also undertake the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award in the Fourth Form and the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services or Music when in the Fifth or Sixth Form.
The CCF organises at least one overseas expedition per year - most recently scuba diving in Cyprus, bush craft and survival in South Africa and trekking across the Falkland Islands. Cadets can also apply to attend leadership courses in the UK and Canada, static line parachuting, skiing, adventure training and 'Look at Life' courses with both the Army and the Royal Marines. Those RAF cadets who show the right aptitude are given the opportunity to apply for gliding and flying scholarships leading to solo flights and the awarding of their “wings”.
