Knole Academy sent ten Y10 pupils and two members of staff to join the army section of Sevenoaks School’s Combined Cadet Force(CCF) from September 2016, and a further 12 pupils joined in September 2017.
Knole Academy will running its own CCF from September 2018, but there will continue to be joint training and exercises. The CCF is not preparation for a military career for the majority of cadets. Some of the more fun aspects of military training are covered including adventure training and practical skills such as orienteering and campcraft.
However, it is also an opportunity to develop soft skills such as self-discipline, team work, public speaking and leadership. Cadets also have the opportunity to attend overnight exercises and summer camps. The CCF enables young people to gain in confidence, experience things they might otherwise not have the opportunity to, and pupils enjoy the variety it brings to a school education.
It has been a good experience for the Sevenoaks cadets training alongside the Knole cadets. It brings in different relationship and cooperation skills when working with new faces, and the senior cadets are able to develop and practice their leadership roles with those they know less well. They have actually integrated very well and indeed made some good friends, especially during the busy week of summer camp.
