Christ’s Hospital cadets developing power to lead

The students, who are both members of the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), participated in a week of military training designed to develop the power to lead and the confidence to assume responsibility.

Leading Cadet Hannah Marsh came second in her class in the Royal Navy’s Senior Cadet Leadership Course, while Cadet Corporal Alistair Wilson received impressive reports on his performance at the Army Cadet Leadership Course held at Frimley Park.

The navy course included command tasks, an assault course, adventure training, water sports as well as sessions in the ship fire and damage control simulator. The army training included military tactics and outward bound activities. It concluded with a 48-hour battle simulation exercise designed to test everything Alistair had learned on the course.

Lieutenant Alistair Goddard, CCF Adjutant, commented: “The cadet force principally teaches students to take responsibility and lead.

“These courses build on the skills they have acquired through activities at school, enabling them to assume a senior leadership role when they return.

“Much of the cadet syllabus is taught by sixth form students, who take responsibility for the development of the younger cadets under their command,” he continued.

“Both Alistair and Hannah have benefited hugely from the opportunity to work alongside some of the most able cadets from across the country. Their new confidence and skills are clearly evident and already being employed to teach students in lower years.”

The cadet force offers many opportunities for students to participate in additional training.

Cadets from Christ’s Hospital have recently participated in external courses in kayaking, military music, tall ship sailing, mountaineering and aircraft piloting.

Pictured here are Hannah Marsh and Alistair Wilson.