OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Pupils are empowered to pursue a huge range of interests, shared experiences and activities. They begin learning life skills from their earliest days at the School, taking part in adventure training and team-building events. From Year 9, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme open up a whole range of opportunities.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
The CCF aims to enhance the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, endurance and perseverance and to develop leadership and resourcefulness. The School has a long-established CCF and all Year 9 and 10 pupils take part and although not mandatory after that, many opt to continue through to the end of Sixth Form. There are four sections - Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. Training is carried out in school on Friday afternoons and on termly field days and camps that take place during the holidays in and around the UK or overseas.
Pupils develop teamwork and leadership skills, as well as acquiring proficiency in map reading, first aid, navigation, shooting, field craft, safety skills and self-reliance. There are also opportunities for sailing, flying, sub-aqua, rock-climbing, coasteering, power-boating and many other outdoor pursuits.
The CCF offers opportunities for personal development and pupils can work towards becoming an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) after some additional training. They will also have the opportunity to pass on the skills they have learnt to younger cadets and to exercise leadership skills.
Senior pupils in the CCF have opportunity to compete in the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon, the Royal Marines Pringle Trophy, Regional Air Squadron Trophy and Combat Cadet.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) News
![CCF Army Central Camp]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1725354118/royalhospitalschoolorg/njvqtarpdvlv4sezjplp/Untitleddesign33_5.svg","width":600}])
During the holidays, 22 cadets and 4 staff attended the CCF Army Central Camp at Beckingham in Lincolnshire. They took part in an action-packed programme that included military skills training, a full day of live firing with various weapon systems, and a personal development day featuring thrilling water-based and high ropes activities.
![CCF Field Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1707133010/royalhospitalschoolorg/qmz4w17wrxgovfu0ojui/1_33.svg","width":600}])
200 pupils engaged in thrilling activities like live firing, archery, paintball, built-up area training
![FIST]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1700213875/royalhospitalschoolorg/i3cwe1htbb6hxvotwxfl/Untitleddesign12_1.svg","width":600}])
25 cadets were deployed to Thetford Training Area for Exercise October FIST. FIST stands for Further Infantry Training Skills, and this gave the cadets an opportunity to practise many tactics and drills that they had been taught over their time in CCF. This included patrolling, occupying a harbour, sniper drills, setting up and delivering an ambush on enemy vehicles and carrying out a series of section attacks on enemy positions.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
We have a thriving Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the School is one of the few to be awarded the status of an Independent Operating Authority. All Year 9 pupils are encouraged to pursue the Bronze Award and some 400 pupils are registered on the Scheme, 100 of them following the Gold Award Scheme. Expeditions for Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards take place locally and in Scotland (Rannoch Moor) or Northumberland (Cheviot Hills). There is also the option to complete the expedition on water in the School's Cornish Shrimpers or on horse-back.
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD News
![Lucy Gold DofE Award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1717679830/royalhospitalschoolorg/dhttudzeeexg9tnlb7wf/Untitleddesign34_3.svg","width":600}])
We are delighted to announce year 13 pupil, Lucy, has celebrated achieving her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award at Buckingham Palace Garden, hosted by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as Patron of the DofE charity.
![DofE Success]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1699285519/royalhospitalschoolorg/egcf8i1wg4ybhkwaee3k/Untitleddesign.svg","width":600}])
We are pleased to announce that a large number of our pupils have earned their well-deserved Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Awards.
![DofE Summer Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1695035118/royalhospitalschoolorg/o3zjpsbo6szsfe9qc5hf/dofesummer.svg","width":600}])
Our DofE pupils were busy in the summer with 85 candidates for the Bronze Award, 33 for Silver, as well as 11 Silver sailing candidates. There were also candidates for Gold who completed the residential section of their award.