Combined Cadet Force
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has a long tradition at Ryde School and is composed of two well established Service Sections: the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
What does Ryde CCF offer to our students?
Ryde CCF is not a recruitment vehicle for the Armed Forces, although it does provide the starting platform for those thinking about a career in the services. What Ryde CCF does provide is a safe environment where cadets can develop their personal skills as well as their ability both to lead and work in a team. Both skills are useful in all walks of life - in the workplace, on the sports field and in many other challenges the pupils may encounter in later life.
The teaching of the RN and RAF syllabus is mainly ‘pupil-led’ with CCF staff supervising and supporting the cadets. It includes a broad spectrum of activities, mixing adventure and discipline, and encourages real development of planning, teamwork and leadership skills.
How does Ryde CCF provide this foundation for self-improvement?
Our training programme has been meticulously planned in order to give each and every cadet the chance to try new skills, work under pressure and experience new activities. Each cadet will have ample opportunities to lead other cadets and work in adverse conditions. There is also time for self-reflection when, with the assistance of Officers and Senior Cadets, cadets are encouraged to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses.
It is no surprise that many of our L6 and U6 cadets hold senior appointments in the school, such as those of Head Boy and Senior Prefects, and also outside school, such as being one of the Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant Cadets. By their own admission, they have said that a major contribution to their achieving these roles of responsibility is in part due to their time in the CCF.
The CCF provides many opportunities for our students to enhance their learning on site and off site. Opportunities include:
- Archery
- State-of-the-art Flight Simulator
- MTa kits (STEM and Team kits)
- Safe weapon handling and shooting (at our own shooting range)
- CCF Summer Camp
- Opportunities to attend Junior and Senior Cadet Instructor courses
- Opportunities to attend adventure training courses (climbing, kayaking, mountaineering, diving etc… via the RN and RAF courses)
- Opportunities to complete the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award canoeing expeditions (new for 2023)
- Opportunities to gain nationally recognised qualifications (First Aid, Lifeguard…)
- Opportunities to apply for Flying Scholarship Courses (either with the Royal Navy or with the RAF)
- Regular visits to Naval Establishments and RAF air bases for training (fire-fighting, damage control - DRIU and air experience gliding and flying)
- Air experience gliding and flying within the RAF Section
- Attending a RAF camp for a week abroad
