CO-CURRICULAR The year will certainly be remembered as a unique time within College’s cocurriculum. Whilst the Autumn Term and, mostly, the Spring Term were unaffected by the global pandemic, staff and pupils demonstrated great flexibility, resilience and resourcefulness in the Summer Term to ensure that there was challenge outside the classroom. From virtual choir performances, lunchtime concerts and drama clubs to athletic development videos, skill challenges and competitions against other schools, Cheltonians engaged in a hugely positive and encouraging way with all that was offered. It was a great shame that those pupils, particularly in the Upper Sixth, had their co‑curricular involvement in the final term cut short, but I hope they will all look back at their time in College with great fondness. Our co-curricular provision aims to complement life in the classroom. It is about challenge, determination, the ability to bounce back when one fails and to realise the reward of hard work and effort; lessons in life which I hope will serve our 2020 leavers well.
Mr Stephen McQuitty, Deputy Head (Co-curricular)
CCF So much happened in two short terms which flew by. The Combined Cadet Force continues to flourish with a wide variety of field days and Wednesday afternoon training.
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The year started apace with our Biennial inspection conducted by current parent Major General Duncan Capps CBE who visited us during our October Field Day. The overnight Field Day was conducted at Swynnerton Training Camp and was delivered by Sixth Form cadets introducing the new Fourth Form to a variety of challenges ranging from fieldcraft to first aid and survival. Leadership development continues to be the mainstay of the Contingent with instructional training delivered to all Fifth Form cadets to prepare them for delivering lessons through into the Sixth Form. The combined Fifth Form had the opportunity to take a break from exam preparation by throwing themselves as a team at the Llangorse Climbing Centre, helping each other as the tightly knit unit that they are. Meanwhile the Fourth Form were let loose in the Forest of Dean, learning to navigate in some very wet conditions. All cadets returned, thanks to some excellent management and support by our Senior cadets. Cadet Warrant Officer Class One Will Buttress has been outstanding as Head of Corps, winning the Army Leadership Award, ably supported by Cadet Warrant Officers Class Two (WO2) Max Morris and James Barltop, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Annabel Watkin and Flight Sergeant Max Sutton. We are very grateful to all of our wonderful leavers for their continuous positive influence on Junior cadets.
at Aztec Aqua Park. The cadets benefitted from excellent wind conditions and beautiful sunshine and were able to put their knowledge to use on the water. In February, the cadets were released into the English countryside along with the Army and RAF sections, and proved that they are just as capable at navigating on land as they are on the water. The Royal Navy Fifth Form stand out as a group for their dedication, cheerful enthusiasm and maturity. Cadets and staff would particularly like to thank our leaving staff Sub-Lieutenant BerenDain Delbrooke-Jones, Dr Vicki Hawkins, and civilian instructor AUO Alex Rooke for their energetic and positive contributions. As ever, we thank Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Ayres and Warrant Officer Second Class Jason Gwynne for all they have done for us this year. A number of Senior cadets have been supported in their applications to join the Forces. We wish them all the very best for their future endeavours and hope they can return to inspire the next generation. It is so positive that such a regular stream of cadets embark on careers in the Forces. Warrant Officer Class One Simon Oates has been appointed as Head of Corps for the coming year and we look forward to his leadership for this year’s Fourth Form recruits.
Captain Will Kemp
Cadet WO2 James Barltrop has been outstanding this year in the level of ownership he has taken of the RAF section and pushing them on with their mandated training. He is awarded the Millennium Trophy for his outstanding contribution throughout his time. The Royal Navy section was led by CPO Annabel Watkin and Petty Officer Paddy MerheimKealy with activities centred around practical seamanship and outdoor skills and teamwork. The seamanship skills were put to use early on during a fantastic day of sailing and kayaking
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