Combined Cadet Force (RAF)
We are proud to launch our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Royal Air Force (RAF) contingent, in September 2024. The Bishop of Llandaff will be the first non-fee paying secondary school in Wales to the RAF. With more than 500 secondary schools offering CCF across the UK, the programme offers students a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities.
Our aim is to supplement the formal curriculum and ethos of the school by providing opportunities for students to develop personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. The CCF helps give more young people the life skills and self-confidence to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond, including in employment. All students, whatever their background or circumstances, have access to this opportunity.
Who are the RAF Air Cadets?
The RAF Air Cadets are school-based, aimed at students who are between 14 and 18 years old (ie. Year 10 – 13). Air Cadets provide opportunities to exercise leadership and promote the qualities and responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance. Furthermore, it promotes a sense of service to the community, both within and beyond school.
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets’ aims are to
- Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people;
- Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life; and
- Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
Membership of the CCF (RAF) is exciting, rewarding and above all fun. Students will discover skills they may never knew they had, do things and visit places they never thought they would, and meet lots of like-minded people who will become team-mates and friends.
Cadets will receive the opportunity to challenge themselves with adventurous training, be selected to represent their country and/or school on the International Air Cadet Exchange programme or develop their potential on the Air Cadet Leadership Course.
Every year the CCF (RAF) provides cadets with approximately 36 flying scholarships across the country, with every cadet having the opportunity to have at least one flying lesson with a qualified RAF pilot.
Some of the key CCF activities such as first aid, navigation, leadership and drill will be undertaken by cadets from all sections of the CCF. However, each service will also have specialist activities. The RAF Section provides opportunities to attend a host of activities, course and camps, including
- Aviation and aerospace;
- STEM, synthetics and virtual reality;
- Cyber;
- Qualified Aerospace Instructor Course, which aims to deliver an exciting programme of aerospace related activities for senior cadets including Aerodynamics; Air Power Air Traffic Control; Instructional Techniques; Aerospace Activity Planning; Aviation Studies; as well as Practical Flight and Navigation Training. These course takes place over a series of weekends from September to April, culminating in a week-long graduation camp; and
- Camps which include RAF Station; Multi-activity; Aerospace; Drill and Ceremonial; Band; Music; and Adventurous Training.
As our CCF contingent will commence in September 2024, there is a limit of 40 cadet spaces. We anticipate, with interest, that this will expand in future years. Each cadet will be issued with standard uniform, at no cost. Students may also undertake Duke of Edinburgh in conjunction with cadet service.
For more information about the RAF Air Cadets, then visit the national website. To enquire about joining the school’s CCF, then email Mr Ashment, CCF Lead or Mr Ward, School Staff Instructor.