As I approach 3 years as Headteacher of The Wensleydale School and Sixth Form, I can reveal that yesterday we were officially granted permission to form a Combined Cadet Force (CCF). This has been a long held ambition of mine, as an Ex-RAF Officer from a military family, I have a full understanding of how being part of the British Military has shaped my own career and leadership. The training, ethos, regard for discipline and self reliance had a huge impact on my life and I hope we will be able to offer our students some of those experiences.
To be given the honour of setting up a CCF is no mean feat, we will be one of only a handful in North Yorkshire following in the footsteps of Ampleforth and Askham Bryan.
Although Combined Cadet Force contingents exist within schools, they also play an important role in the community. In many cases, CCFs will be the public face of the school at local events, such as summer fairs, county shows, mayoral engagements and Remembrance Day.
As well as being a positive representative of the school, CCFs can have a hugely positive impact on the local area, whether that’s through volunteering, getting involved in conservation or taking part in civic events.
It is an exciting addition to our school and one that will dovetail into school life, D of E, Business education and our drive toward a supportive and resilient school, with students well prepared and able to cope with whatever life throws at them. Roll on September 2019!
