Fourth Form - New Recruits
Extra Curricular > Activities > CCF > Fourth form
The first year in the CCF can be tough. Cadets will be taking charge in future years, so it is important that they learn how to achieve high standards in everything they do. We expect a high standard of turnout each week, and high personal standards in areas such as organisation and timekeeping. On top of this each section has a syllabus to follow and exams to take: all sections learn a basic core in areas such as drill, shooting, military knowledge (eg: the rank structure within the services), and they must also take on board more section-specific training. Army cadets complete a weapons course, and also learn basic infantry skills; RN cadets spend a fair amount of time on the water learning how to sail and drive power boats; RAF cadets learn about the theory of flight and also have the opportunity to participate in Air Experience Flying.
It is also important that cadets participate in off-site activities: the learning experience is far greater when away from the "comfort zone" of school and familiar faces. It might simply be an afternoon spent orienteering in Knole Park, or a full scale night exercise in an army training area. Cadets also have the opportunity to spend time away in the holidays on courses run by the services, and gain greatly from the experience.
At the end of the fourth form, cadets have gained a raft of new skills and a bucket-load of new knowledge. Although they are allowed to choose another activity in the fifth form, many stay on in the knowledge that the hardest year is behind them.
