Adventure and Leadership

LEADINGFROM THEFRONT

OUR CCF HEADS OF SECTION OFFER THEIR INSIGHTS ABOUT LEADERSHIP AND WHAT SERVICE MEANS TO THEM.

Our pupils have made a real mark since joining Sherborne School in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). This year, all three Section Heads come from our number. We wanted to hear more about their roles, and what belonging to the CCF has contributed to their formation as women of the future.

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Charlotte(U6)

Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 2 and Head of the Royal Marines

“As part of my role, I am required to, at times, command the younger cadets however I also must also be someone they can come to if they have any problems.

It’ s crucial to be adaptable in this role. Sometimes, you have to change plans so that everyone enjoys themselves, or work closely with particular cadets who are struggling. I really enjoy this aspect of leadership.

It’ s great to be a role model for others. As a female in the CCF, I hope I am able to inspire others and be someone they can look up to.

One of my best learning experiences was organising a trip to Salisbury Plain with Esme [Head of the Army]. It was the first time the Cadets put their fieldcraft skills to the test, building their own bashers, which they spent the night in, and cooking and eating military rations.

Being made Head of The Royal Marines is my greatest achievement in the CCF. I also loved being in the Banner Party in our Biennial Inspection last year.

Lydia(U6)

Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 2 and Head of the Navy

“I oversee 30 cadets in the Navy section and have had to learn how to give out information so it is easily understood. I also plan lessons and CCF trips and ensure all cadets maintain high standards in uniform, attitude and skill.

One of the biggest challenges is to keep everyone motivated – even when they ’ ve had a bad day. I try to make activities fun and competitive, with small prizes as incentives.

I love the responsibility of being a leader and believe it has given me skills I can use throughout my life. It’ s so rewarding to overcome obstacles and build a team – I’ ve loved every part of it.

My biggest achievement was being presented with the role of Head of Navy, as it showed I had grown as a person and was trusted to lead. I hope to use the position to inspire young cadets to stick with the CCF during their time at School. It’ s such a valuable experience.

Esme(U6)

Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 2 and Head of the Army

“The memories made in CCF are lifelong, so you want them to be good ones. I work hard to make sure everyone knows what they are doing, whether it’ s assessing the Corporals ’ teaching skills or making sure the younger cadets have packed properly for a CCF trip.

You need to earn the respect of your peers. You could be the wisest person alive, but without the respect of the people you lead, you ’d be much less effective.

I love to build relationships: getting to know pupils from outside my own year and sharing one of my passions with them exhilarates me.

I was proud to lead a small team in the Rifles Cup, in which we came third overall and received full marks on the tracking stance. I also enjoyed working with Charlotte [Head of Royal Marines] to plan a night activity that went really well.

Perhaps my biggest achievement is becoming the first ever female Head of the Army section in Sherborne ’ s CCF. It’ s an honour to join such a long line of likeminded leaders. ”

Silver DofE girls head for the hills

This term, 38 girls from M5 took part in a Practice Expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’ s Silver Award. The weather was kind and enabled all the participants to gain the most from their two days of camping and walking in the Quantocks, with beautiful views stretching across the Bristol Channel. These girls now look forward to their Final Expedition, which will take place in June on Exmoor.

SherborneCadetsmakea markinRiflesCup

After three years of absence, we were delighted to be invited to take part in the annual Rifles Cup, an event open to the 10,000 Cadets in the South West. This competition focuses on enhancing and developing the basic military skills cadets have learned during their time in the CCF.

They go through a four-hour assessment where they are required to operate as an effective team and respond to various scenarios, from locating enemy positions to dealing with an exploded vehicle, with multiple casualties. Our team of 10 cadets was made up of pupils from Sherborne Girls and Sherborne School. They had two fantastic days, finishing with a medal ceremony where they were placed third overall.

Jayne Dart, Director of Sport, Adventure and Leadership

WEWILLREMEMBER

On Friday, 11 November, our pupils were invited to gather on The Courts at Sherborne School to mark Remembrance Day, alongside Sherborne School and Sherborne Prep pupils. The ceremony coincided with the national two-minute silence at 11am and provided an important opportunity for the whole community to pay their respects to the fallen and renew their pledge to peace.