Combined Cadet Force Partnership with Beechen Cliff School
King Edward's School Combined Cadet Force has a Memorandum of Understanding with Beechen Cliff School, signed by the respective Headmasters, allowing pupils from Beechen Cliff School to join KES Bath CCF and take advantage of the many benefits and opportunities which this youth organisation provides.
Aims
To provide boys at Beechen Cliff School with the opportunity to participate in the Combined Cadet Force at King Edward’s School.
The CCF is not just an extra-curricular activity, but a leadership and personal development programme with a clear pathway to promotion and taking on responsibilities.
The Cadet syllabus allows the cadets to gain valuable life and leadership qualities. Subjects taught include fieldcraft, camouflage and concealment, signals, map and compass, First Aid, drill, Skill at Arms, adventure training and music.
Through participation in the King Edward's Cadet Force, cadets also have the opportunity to complete sections of their Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They can gain qualifications through CVQO, such as the ILM Level 2 Young Leaders Award, and the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development.
In Year 11, cadets are invited to take part in the challenging Method of Instruction cadre, where they develop the necessary skills to teach the younger cadets in a variety of subjects. This is one of the most rewarding activities completed by the cadets and provides significant opportunities for growth in leadership, resilience, and self-confidence.
Participation in CCF provides access to activities which might otherwise be out of reach for a variety of reasons. At the time of writing Adventure Training courses at Capel Curig or Halton, Lancaster courses are charged at just £40 for a week of adventure training, with no hidden additional costs. Over 16s can attend courses, gaining experience and qualifications in activities such as Rock climbing, Kayaking and Mountain Biking.
Background
The partnership with Beechen Cliff was first initiated in 2006. King Edwards’s School Bath CCF has been established since 1900, making us one of the oldest CCF’s in the country.
The Combined Cadet Force typically has a strength of approximately 100 cadets at any one time; with around a third of these cadets being pupils from Beechen Cliff. The CCF is proudly affiliated to the regiment The King’s Royal Hussars, whose traditions we proudly whilst still wearing our own King Edward’s School CCF cap badge.
Resources
KES facilities are used for CCF activity and include a parade ground and shooting range. Members of staff from both schools are involved in training and running the programme, as well as volunteers from outside both schools.
KES provides £1000 towards the programme. There is no financial contribution from Beechen, although they do employ a staff member as the Beechen Cliff Liaison Officer, responsible for school admin for Beechen Cliff pupils.
Impact
There is a biennial inspection of the Combined Cadet Force which is carried out by HQ South West.
Pupil Involvement
Pupils are aged 13 – 18 yrs. Boys and girls join from KES, and as a single sex school, boys join from Beechen Cliff.
Frequency
The CCF Programme and partnership is ongoing.
