Brentwoodian 2019

104 The RAF year began with our Summer Camp at Inskip near Preston, where we were joined by cadets from St Brigid’s school and Q3 Academy, a new cadet expansion school in Birmingham. The cadets participated in a myriad of on-site activities including, high and low ropes, shooting on air rifles and the dismounted close combat trainer. With Blackpool being only a short trip away, the pleasure beach was too good an opportunity to miss - along with a short trip to the “Go Ape” in the Lake District”, a fantastic opportunity for all those who participated and lifelong friendships were forged with cadets from other schools. George O’Neill decided that camp wasn’t challenging enough for him and was accepted on the Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell; the course is widely regarded as the best (and most demanding) leadership course in the cadet organisation. Timed runs at 6 am, three phases of leadership tasks and a two-mile log run are just some of the activities! Last academic year, Eleanor Pritchard was recognised as one of the top eight cadets in the UK; at a ceremony at the Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, she was awarded the de Havilland medal and had the opportunity to fly in some of the old aircraft sponsored by the air league. As ever, the summer holidays were over far too quickly and fresh from ACLC, George O’Neill took on the position of Cadet Warrant Officer, ably assisted by Flight Sergeants, Georgina Matthews and Tara Jones. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment made a positive impact on the Section and they took it from strength to strength. The RAF Section was selected to represent the CCF (RAF) at the Battle of Britain Service at Westminster Abbey, a truly moving occasion and one cadets were privileged to be involved in. The cadets also visited Downing Street for a quick photo opportunity! Back at school, the biennial inspection was looming and the Section showed off their shooting and leadership skills to our reviewing officer and Old Brentwood, Brigadier Oliver Brown as well as our new virtual reality simulator and the Bloodhound Rocket Car challenge; a great day of activities for all the cadets. Half-term was soon upon us and as usual, the RAF began their training for the Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition; they narrowly missed out on a place in the national finals but it was a great RAF "The cadets participated in a myriad of on-site activities including, high and low ropes, shooting on air rifles and the dismounted close combat trainer." achievement for such a young team which bodes well for the future. The Section was impeccably turned out for the Remembrance Parade and the cadets were a credit to the School. The syllabus continues to evolve in the Section with more focus on getting cadets out of the classroom. All of the cadets this year gained their British Heart Foundation, Heartstart first aid qualification as well as covering more detailed leadership on both a practical and theory basis. Jemima Parasram attended the South Area NCO Cadre at RAF Henlow; she excelled on the course and was awarded ‘Best Cadet’ with the award presented by Sqn Ldr Jim Coupland from RAF Air Cadet Headquarters. Flying was very much back on the agenda with eight cadets getting their first flight in a Tutor at RAF Wittering, an experience they won’t forget for a long time. The Section also tried something new this year by inviting Sutton Valence School to join our Field Day. The cadets took part in various