Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

The CCF aims to “provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.”

Girls from Glenlola Collegiate joined with Bangor Grammar CCF in 1995, and Bangor CCF was the first contingent in the UK to successfully bring together cadets from two different schools in this way.  From then until now, the CCF continues to provide a unique opportunity within both schools for all those who want to take advantage of what it has to offer in terms of Leadership and team building in both the Army and Royal Navy Sections.

The CCF trains every Wednesday evening at Bangor Grammar School from 7:00pm until 9:00pm with training lessons taken by older members of each section, sometimes with the help of Officers.  From joining as a recruit, cadets will move on after their first year to complete their Army/Navy Proficiency Certificate at standard and Advanced level before doing a Method of Instruction Cadre to learn how to take lessons within the Contingent.  By the time they reach this stage, cadets will have a good knowledge of their respective syllabus and be confident enough to teach a class of up to 30 younger cadets.  Progression through the different levels also leads to the opportunity to gain promotion, with the chance in the final year to apply for promotion to the highest levels (RSM, CSM and Coxswain).

It’s not all about sitting in classrooms though!

All that time spent in lessons on Wednesday nights pays off when you get to put it into practice on Field Days, Range Days, Inspection Days and various weekends at Ballykinler, Rosyth, Portsmouth, or Palace Barracks.  There’s also the chance to go on Annual Camp at different locations in the UK.

Adventure training also plays a big part in the CCF, with cadets getting endless opportunities to try activities that most other young people would never get a chance to try.  These activities include climbing, kayaking, raft building, sailing, diving, abseiling, mountain biking, hill walking, bouldering and a lot more!

Other courses are available to cadets from any CCF section and range from sailing; windsurfing, climbing, power boating, expeditions, first aid, to Frimley Park leadership Training and BRNC Dartmouth Summer Camp.

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