From the start I knew cadets would be fun (From Worcester News)

From the start I knew cadets would be fun

11:08am Tuesday 16th June 2009

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TO be able to learn discipline and organisation is a skill in itself – and something many of us take years to perfect.

But to learn it while you are still at school and studying for your exams is quite an achievement.

If you have it in you to attain such levels, the armed forces provide a great opportunity to learn about teamwork and get involved at an early stage.

The Combined Cadet Force – also known as the CCF – is this year celebrating its 100th anniversary at the King’s School, Worcester.

Cara Evans, one of their dedicated students, has shown that she is a natural within the group, especially on the aviation side.

The 18-year-old has gained her gliding and fixed wing qualifications and spent time overseas as part of a selection and training course.

Cara said she had wanted to join the CCF as soon as she became a pupil at the school.

“Right from the start it just looked like it was going to be a lot of fun and that they did a lot of activities,” she said.

“That’s why I decided to join. I have done things with them from kayaking and climbing to doing overnight exercises with the Army. This is in conjunction with drill, weapon handling, map reading, and specific RAF-based subjects such as air navigation and propulsion, as well as being given the opportunity to fly in gliders.”

So far Cara has gone solo in a Warrior (a single engine prop) as part of the air cadet pilot scheme.

She has been to Ghana as part of the international air cadet exchange and completed a gliding scholarship by going solo and being awarded her silver wings.

She has also completed an air cadet leadership course at RAF Cosford. “I get such a lot out of it,”

she said. “We do so much that it is an enjoyable experience as well as learning new skills.”

Captain Andrew Maund, officer commanding the Army section and head of English at the school, said the CCF was a way of providing discipline and organisation for boys and girls in schools along with developing their leadership qualities, resourcefulness and a sense of community.

Mr Maund said: “There is quite a lot of camaraderie and it does also help their self-confidence and selfdiscipline.

“Cara has had quite a big year and has done so well, which is great considering that we are in our 100th year too.”

The aim of the CCF’s training is to develop cadets’ powers of leadership and give cadets an understanding of the methods and conditions of service in the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force.

Cara has just completed her Alevels in biology, chemistry and maths. She is undecided about what she wants to do once she leaves the education system but she is considering joining the RAF.

“I hadn’t thought about it before I joined the CCF but it is something I really enjoy doing,”

she said. “My grandad was in the RAF and he is very proud of everything I have done and my parents are also very supportive.”

Squadron Leader Nicki Essenhigh, contingent commander and teacher of biology at the school, said: “The leadership qualities they learn are incredible and very useful for later in life. Cara is a natural and I think her doing so well is encouraging other girls to join.”

The school has 120 cadets enrolled in the CCF and they meet every Friday afternoon after school for one-and-a-half hours.

The school is hoping that more will get involved with the new intake in September.

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