Combined Cadet Force

We are proud to be the only girls’ state school in the country to have our own CCF, with both army and navy units. From humble beginnings with 11 cadets and three staff in 2012, the contingent has swollen to over 200 cadets in two sections, and over 20 staff (both commissioned and civilian instructors), with the navy section joining the army unit in late 2016. We currently stand as the largest all-female state school cadet contingent in the country.

Ethos

Both sections in the unit firmly espouse the British Army Standards and Values of:

• Selfless commitment
• Respect for others
• Loyalty
• Integrity
• Discipline
• Courage

These values underpin everything the TWGGS CCF does and offers; all activities are planned to demonstrate and reinforce them.

Structure

The entire CCF forms up on the parade ground (otherwise known as the tennis courts) every Monday after school. All cadets engage with different levels of the curriculum every week, covering fieldcraft, navigation, first aid, signals, weapons, physical skills and drill. The Royal Navy cadets cover similar topics but with a maritime emphasis.

Pupils can join the CCF from January in Year 9. Cadets of both sections are broken into smaller groupings and they are managed by older cadets holding Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks, who help with instruction and understanding of lessons. Volunteer adults all have an area of expertise that they contribute to the unit, and each officer is responsible for a platoon; in effect, officers run a mini CCF within the unit which helps to build a rapport between them and the cadets. We use the rank structure to give all cadets a sense of responsibility and accountability. Our cadets are often praised for their maturity and the way they conduct themselves in all circumstances.

Activities and Successes

TWGGS CCF is an extremely active unit, with many activities planned each term. Over the course of the year we hold over 50 meetings, as well as events, camps and exercises, to meet the training demands of all of the various levels within the unit. The contingent has had numerous successes in prestigious competitions and invitations to elite events, including winning the Cambrian Patrol twice in consecutive years, placing in Brigade competitions, debating in the House of Lords, visiting the House of Lords and 10 Downing Street, and attending the Passing Out Parade at Sandhurst.

We have sent cadets on exchange to Canada and other countries, and on trips to South Africa, the Himalayas, the Amazon, Germany, Finland and all over the UK. Some of our cadets have been named Top Cadet at the Cambrian Patrol and on various Leadership courses throughout the country. Members of our ranks have been appointed as Lord Lieutenant Cadets, a role that is not only a prestigious accolade but an essential link between the armed forces and the local community. We have also had national champions in Orienteering, as well as winning many prizes for drill, march and shoots, first aid and fieldcraft.

If you would like to find out more, please visit the TWGGS CCF website.