Thomas Deacon Academy is one of the few state schools to have a Combined Cadet Force, a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation which provides opportunities for young people to develop leadership, responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and endurance. Our values are centred around Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
Former Prime Minister, David Cameron, said:
“Cadet Forces teach our young people vital skills such as teamwork and discipline. They provide them with huge opportunities, open up new horizons and new possibilities. That’s why I want to see more of these in our schools so that we can give young people, no matter what their background, the skills to succeed.”
The Thomas Deacon Academy CCF has two sections - an Army Section and an RAF section – both of which offer opportunities to develop an individual’s skills through activities not readily available under the Academy’s extensive enrichment programme, such as:
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Map reading and Navigation
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Field and Camp Craft
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Skill at Arms and Shooting
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First Aid
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Air Experience Flying
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Cadet activities can support and enhance a student’s involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme through the service, skills and physical sections of the Awards. Participation can lead to nationally recognised qualifications such as the BTEC Diploma in Public Services and the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills (CVQO), both of which instil valuable skills for the cadets to take on to University and their future careers. |
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Flying scholarships are available through the RAF Section with the aim of each cadet achieving a solo flight by the end of their course. Specialist training follows the same structure as that for the National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL). |
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Cadets from all Sections will get the opportunity to attend camps at training centres and working RAF bases around the UK. These will test the skills and knowledge the cadets have learnt throughout the year as they compete with cadets from other schools around the country. |
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WHAT HAVE I GAINED THROUGH MY TIME WITH CADETS? A word from our Cadets:..........
“By doing cadets I’m now starting my training in January as a regular soldier in the Parachute Regiment” – L/Cpl Matthew Baldwin
“Cadets has set me up to join up after 6th Form and has given me life skills for the future” – L/Cpl Jake Reed
“I have gained qualifications that I wouldn’t have normally, these have made me a more rounded person and have given me experiences I would not have got otherwise which has prepared me for management roles and a future in leadership. Flying Scholarships help with hours towards a pilots’ license, which is something that very few young people have.” – Cpl Harry Veal-Gray
Level 3 CVQO Leadership and Team Skills
Former student, William Wren, successfully completed the Level 3 CVQO Leadership and Team Skills qualification in 2016. Billy attended a week long residential where he completed a range of practical and theory tasks to demonstrate his competence in leading a team. With aspirations to be a RAF Weapons Systems Operator, Billy is confident that the experience and knowledge gained in completing this qualification will support his career aspirations.
Drill and Ceremonial Camp, RAF Cranwell
RAF cadets attended the drill and ceremonial camp ay Cranwell to hone their drill and instruction skills. All cadets had to learn weapons drill as performed by Queen’s Colour Squadron to participate in the final parade in front of a vast array of high ranking RAF dignitaries to celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets.