Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Challenge and Adventure Beyond the Classroom
Our extremely popular Combined Cadet Force (CCF) provides a challenge to pupils outside their normal comfort zone, helping develop qualities of responsibility, leadership, resilience, self-reliance and perseverance.
CCF and The Oratory
The CCF provides pupils with an introduction to the methods, conditions of service and skills required by the Royal Navy, Army and Air Force.
The CCF is designed to provide a disciplined organisation with the school’s ethos in mind. The training programme gives you, the cadet, the opportunity to develop your leadership skills along with self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance. Community is fostered amongst the cadets through the implementation of section competitions and team-building exercises.
As you progress through the school more responsibility is given in the form of instructing the junior cadets in all aspects of the syllabus. The sessions will be overseen by a CCF officer to maintain a satisfactory standard. Senior NCO’s will be expected to attend different courses run by the MOD to supplement their learning in the method of instruction. It is firmly believed that the self-confidence and self-discipline required during CCF will give each of you skills to take forward into civilian life in whatever avenue you follow.
"Pupils develop excellent leadership skills in the very popular Combined Cadet Force, going on to achieve high honours."
Independent Schools Inspectorate
Expectations of Voluntary Service – 3rd Form and Onwards
- Impeccable behaviour both at school and on trips away from school
- Being on time
- Reading weekly details
- Impeccable turnout
- Positive attitude
- Polite and courteous to others
- Total commitment
- Minimum 1 camp a year – either Easter or Summer camp
- Helping during Open Mornings and Prep School visits
Army
The Army Section aims to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community. Activities include drill, skill at arms, shooting, fieldcraft and first aid, and up to 40% of a cadet’s time is spent on adventurous training activities. Cadets will have the opportunity to get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community and to gain nationally recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and BTECs. The CCF provides a wonderful opportunity to take part in Army themed activities and events, all of which focus on building self-disciplined individuals with courage and a sense of worth.
Royal Air Force
The Air Cadets is the RAF section of the CCF. Air Cadets aims to offer an exciting and challenging cadet experience, based around flying and aviation and so inspire young people to learn and develop new skills. The Air Cadet Organisation’s aims are to:
- Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force amongst young people.
- Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
- Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
Membership of the Air Cadets is exciting, rewarding and above all fun. You'll discover skills you never knew you had, do things and visit places you never thought you would, as well as meet like-minded people who will become your team-mates and friends. You’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself through adventurous training, the International Air Cadet Exchange programme, or the Air Cadet Leadership Course. Every year the Air Cadets organisation provides cadets with approximately 36 flying scholarships, with every Oratory cadet having the opportunity to have at least one flying lesson with a qualified RAF pilot.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy proficiency syllabus bases its training emphasis on leadership, afloat activities and adventurous training. In the past year, cadets have had the opportunity to take part in assault and low rope courses, canoeing, sailing and a yachting weekend to the Isle of Wight.
Corps of Drums
We have recently purchased a set of military drums, in conjunction with the music department, and are looking for budding drummers to start a Corps of Drums. You will be expected to continue with your regular training as part of one of the three sections with additional drum training factored into the weekly training programme.
The Oratory CCF featuring in the SE RFCA Video
What you can expect by Volunteering in the CCF
- Two annual camps – Adventurous Training (OCP), Summer camp
- Weekly program – based around a three-week cycle:
- 1. Syllabus training
- 2. Personal development
- 3. Additional training – first aid, navigation, visits
- Potential for promotion to NCO and beyond
- Leadership training – a good addition to your UCAS reference
- Access to a wide selection of courses sponsored by MOD funding
- Regular visits to military units based on which section you join
- Possible overseas camps
- Signing off DofE volunteering section
- Fun
As a youth organisation, the CCF strives to give cadets a fun and safe experience. There is no commitment or expectation for cadets to join the regular Armed Forces when they have completed their schooling.