Last weekend over 160 cadets took part in our ‘Field Day’ which – in a departure from normal – took place mostly on and around campus (due to the coronavirus). We were lucky to be able to implement numerous activities which were not only beneficial but also challenging and safe for all involved.
For the Remove cadets, there was a two-day competition for the “Barry Brown Bowl”.
This comprised of eight ‘stands’ run by our Lower and Upper Sixth Senior NCOs. The cadets were in high spirits on Sunday morning despite the poor weather and took part in all activities with great enthusiasm.
On-campus, there was: Fitness Training; Shooting (in the range); Drill training; and the ‘Gun Run’. Meanwhile, the cadets got stuck in with some diving and crawling through the muddy fields and puddles on the 9-acre, where there was Paintballing, Stalking, Survival training (rabbit gutting and preparation!) and Basher-making. A lot of the cadets enjoyed their survival training and getting their hands dirty.
Drill training, on the tennis courts, strengthened the cadets’ existing skills, aiding their ability to perform well on parade. They also had a chance to create a drill routine, completed without commands – Sections were judged on the quality of their teamwork and execution of the movements. The ‘Gun Run’ was also enjoyed by all; it was particularly challenging as the course included an uphill section, however, this didn’t put the teams off and they were able to run up the hill with full force. Cadets were put to the test during fitness training including having to run uphill carrying two jerry-cans full of water. There was also a ‘planking competition’ and other challenges. They all completed this task successfully and showed immense support for one another. In the Range, meanwhile, the cadets showed precision and skill on the .22 rifles, with some terrific sharp-shooting.
On the Stalking stand, the cadets were fully engaged, covering their faces in cammo cream and were very committed concealing themselves and then sneaking up to reach the Senior Cadets (‘spotters’) at the top of the hill without being seen, even when this meant getting fully soaked and covered in mud. On the paintball stand the cadets worked hard on learning the ‘fire and manoeuvre’ movements in Fire Teams, to defeat an ‘enemy’ whilst successfully aiding covering fire and demonstrating good teamwork. The cadets learned how to put up ‘Bashers’ properly and cook the food from their ration packs, skills which will be essential for ‘Malvern Rifles’ (Easter Term).
Similarly, the 100 got stuck into the wide range of activities at Tyddesley Woods, having spent a day training, preparing and updating their Weapons Tests.
The Upper Sixth lead a variety of stands testing the cadets’ fitness, leadership and military skills. There was a Casualty Evacuation (CasEvac), whereby the cadets had to carry a stretcher with weights and multiple jerry-cans to a rendezvous point (RV) whilst blindfolded, which tested their fitness and communication skills. The Section Battle Drill – using blank ammunition – brought a lot of drama and excitement as cadets stormed an enemy location, allowing them to blank fire and co-ordinate themselves as two fire teams. On the other hand, the Stalk exercise meant cadets had to move through an area without being detected and gather various pieces of information about the enemy location and troop numbers. Throughout the day, cadets were tested on the skills they had learnt during their training in the CCF over the last 3 terms. The impressive level of performance across all sections was down to their brilliant attitude and the variety of challenging and engaging stands, designed and lead by the Upper Sixth. Overall the event was a terrific success and everyone involved can feel very proud of all they achieved.
Across all year groups, the cadets maintained high morale and supported each other throughout the challenges of the weekend, allowing every cadet to shine.
Special thanks go to Mr Nichols for his tireless efforts to ensure that this event could go ahead, and the staff (Mr Lacey, Mr Reid, Mr Wilson, Mr Jarvis, Ms Parker, Mr Smith, Mr Woodward, Ms Lewis-Roberts, Ms Tudor, Mr Robinson and the numerous visiting staff) who supported and encouraged throughout.