Combined Cadet Force
Formed in 1898 Solihull School CCF is one of the oldest cadet units in Britain.
The CCF is a purely voluntary activity that takes place on a Monday after school. A special period on the timetable is reserved for the NCOs (Non Commissioned Officers) to prepare their training and preparation.
During the transition from compulsory to voluntary attendance, the numbers dropped initially but with a change in staff personalities and an overhaul in the CCF programme, Totals have risen and consistently hovers around 130 cadets across both the Army and Royal Air Force sections. On the staff there are 8 officers, 4 female and 4 male, and an SSI who was a regular in the Army.
Training is now a lot more exciting with numerous activities planned throughout the year. In addition to each Section’s Field day and annual summer camps, there are Military Training weekends, Range days, Adventure Training packages and regional competitions, the majority, open to members of both sections.
For the keener still, there is a variety of Divisional courses available, ranging from leadership to adventure training proficiency.
Most cadets sign up onto the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, where 3 of the modules in the early part of the Award can be completed at the same time, without too much extra work involved. Closely linked to this is the First Diploma in Public Services BTEC (equivalent to four GCSE’s). This combines the leadership qualities gained from Cadet training and the Expedition skills learnt through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The CCF seeks to develop self-reliance, initiative and leadership whilst giving an appreciation of the role of the services at the present day.