Southfield School ‘Launches’ its new Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force

Southfield School ‘Launches’ its new Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force

Southfield School, in Kettering, Northamptonshire, recently ‘launched’ its Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

They began the rigorous ‘selection’ process last summer and shortly afterwards received the ‘green light’.  Four members of Southfield School staff completed their Initial Officers’ Training at the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) Dartmouth last November.  After recruiting a School Staff Instructor (SSI), shortly afterwards, they were ready to launch.

Some 30 Year 9 students ‘joined up’ and began training in January.  Already, in that time, they have completed their Junior Cadet Course, which included learning all about the Royal Navy, drill, the military swim test, seamanship, communications and Practical Leadership Tasks.  In March, they were lucky enough to have the opportunity to try their hand at offshore sailing, under sail and power.  They sailed in the Solent from Her Majesties Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth to Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

In May the contingent was officially opened in a ceremony presided over by Royal Navy ‘top brass’ during which the cadets all received their first promotion and had the opportunity to show off all that they had learned.  To cap it all they took part in the recent Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Parade in Northampton, joining some 1,200 other cadets from across the county.

They look forward to trying their hand at paddle sports this summer and being joined by a new intake of cadets in September.