Combined Cadet Force Partnership
The Royal Russell Combined Cadet Force works in partnership with Coloma Convent Girls’ School, a local Catholic state school. This enables Coloma School to offer the CCF experience to their students, where they would not otherwise have the resources to do this. CCF services are available to Coloma students at no cost.
50 Coloma students join 110 Royal Russell Cadets each Monday evening for a variety of training exercises including drill, fieldcraft, weapon handling, principles of flight, map reading and first aid. They fully benefit from of our extensive grounds, equipment and committed staff. All students also receive a free hot supper in our dining hall.
Aims
The Royal Russell Combined Cadet Force aims to provide students, from Year 9 to Year 13, with a variety of activities to foster skills in leadership, teamwork, discipline resilience and communication. Students gain confidence in their own abilities and have the opportunity to progress through the CCF ranks by means of promotion.
Older Cadets are given responsibility for mentoring younger and less experienced Cadets.
Background
The Royal Russell Combined Cadet Force was established circa 1900. The partnership with Coloma Convent Girls’ School began six years ago. This relationship has been tremendously successful with a high percentage of Coloma students wishing to take part. Staff at Coloma are actively involved in the running of the CCF.
Resources
Royal Russell provides the use of its extensive grounds, equipment, classroom space, IT, minibuses, swimming pool and staff to facilitate this partnership.
The CCF is staffed by a dedicated Contingent Commander, supported by both Royal Russell and Coloma staff along with a number of Old Russellian ex-Cadets who give up their time voluntarily to support these young people.
Impact
Our Cadets benefit from developing invaluable life skills. Working together as a team each week enables cadets to hone their teamwork and communication skills. They are given an abundance of opportunities to learn effective leadership skills. Bespoke RAF and Army leadership courses are made available. RAF Cadets have regular flight training.
Cadets attend three residential camps each year, and additional weekend training.
Cadets attend many prestigious events including the Celebration March to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015, the Queen’s River Pageant in 2012, the opening of the Sharpshooters Museum at Hever Castle in 2015. Annually Cadets assist the Gentlemen at Arms of the Royal Household, attend the Battle of Britain Parade, assist veterans at the Household Cavalry Sunday, the Royal International Air Tattoo and participate in the Lords Mayor Show.
In February 2016, our Cadets competed in the National RAF Air Squadron Trophy, coming in second in ‘Drill’.
Pupil Involvement
Students from Year 9 to Year 13 can join the Royal Russell CCF.
50 girls from Coloma Convent Girls' School and 110 boys and girls from Royal Russell participate each week.
Frequency
The CCF meets every Monday evening during term time and there are three residential camps, and additional weekend training.
This partnership will continue and develop for the forseeable future.