Where Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Has Taken Me At Queen Ethelburga's
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) enthusiast Hannah W of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), discusses all the adventures and opportunities being a cadet has provided her, including being the first CCF representative appointed to the role of Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.
"Through the Combined Cadet Force programme, I have gained new experiences which I would not have been able to participate in otherwise. It has improved my social skills and developed my ability to read an environment better because of the number of people I met at events. I have spent nights in the forest tucked into a sleeping bag whilst my closest friends are next to me, and owls are howling above, cooking my ration packs in the morning and trading muesli for an all-day breakfast.
"Combined Cadet Force provided me with fantastic opportunities"
I have also spent days on the ranges and learnt the importance of responsibilities whilst surrounded by my friends. In 2022, QE started a new tradition of running an outdoor Remembrance Service with the City of York's Pipe Band. These are only some of the fond memories I will always associate with the army cadets.
"I met Their Majesty's King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort"
Being in the QE CCF Regiment and serving as Sergeant, has provided me with fantastic opportunities above and beyond what most cadets get to experience. It led me to become the first Combined Cadet Force representative appointed to the role of Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire. This appointment meant I could represent our Cadets and Queen Ethelburga's at events and support the Lord Lieutenant in his duties. Through this role, I was selected to attend amazing events such as the King’s Coronation concert at Windsor Castle, which was unique, fun, and full of artists - and so many royals. It was a great opportunity to socialise with the other cadets I’ve met through Lord Lieutenant Cadets. On another outing, I met Their Majesty’s King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, at York Minster.
As a Cadet Sergeant for CCF, I had the opportunity to enrol on a CVQO Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development. The course led Cadet staff to nominate me for the CVQO Westminster Award 2022! I reached the third round of the competition and travelled to Somerset for the national selection event. Reaching this stage meant that I got to be recognised among approximately 40 cadets from across the UK.
"I spent my summer restoring O'Hara's Battery in Gibraltar"
Volunteering in Cadets inspired me to try to make significant contributions to the school and local community. I worked with Physionet, which provides equipment for disabled people overseas, and volunteered at a local nursing home, both arranged through school initiatives. I then spent my summer holidays restoring O’Hara’s Battery in Gibraltar, which was very rewarding.
All of these opportunities and experiences stem from the dedication of the CCF volunteers. They always ensured we had fun and got the best out of a Monday night activity. I will take the skills and experiences from Cadets with me into further education and beyond. I would definitely encourage others to get involved with all the opportunities at Cadets."
QE Faculty student, Hannah, has been an exemplary member of the school community and a fantastic Sergeant for our CCF. CCF at QE provides opportunities for various exercises, training opportunities and chances to represent.
Queen Ethelburga's is a CEA-accredited day and boarding school. The Collegiate has a long-standing relationship with the forces community and offers discounts alongside CEA. The school has approximately 350 forces students onsite and offers a 15% discount to non-CEA and ex-forces families.
To learn more about QE, visit our website www.qe.org, or email admissions@qe.org.
