CCF opportunities
Chay Kent, Year 13 Powell, is an enthusiastic and committed member of the Eastbourne College Combined Cadet Force RAF Division. He has grasped every opportunity presented to him with both hands and here he gives a short report about some of the CCF experiences he has enjoyed during the last two years.
“Over the past couple of years I have had some incredible experiences within the CCF at Eastbourne College. Not only have I made a concerted effort to get involved in the vast array of activities provided within the College, but I have also managed to complete several prestigious external courses with the Air Cadets Organisation.
Last Easter I was lucky enough to be chosen to complete an RAF Gliding Scholarship on a Vigilant aircraft at RAF Odiham, Hampshire. Being a keen aviation enthusiast, I took on the challenge with an open mind hoping to gain some valuable knowledge from the experienced training pilots there. After ten exhilarating days and over twelve hours flying time, I completed a solo circuit gaining my Silver Wings, enabling me to pilot this aircraft on my own.
Over the Summer holidays, I participated in an Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire. During the course, over a grueling week of intense leadership tasks and exhausting activities, I gained an array of valuable communication and team skills which I will be able to use in later life. At the end of this course, we were lucky enough to pass out in front of the distinguished College building where only newly-qualified RAF officers and successful candidates of this leadership course pass out from.
At the start of my final year at Eastbourne College I undertook a two and a half day First Aid course gaining recognition as a qualified First Aider, a stepping stone to the next qualification of First Aid at Work. This covered all the essentials such as treating minor cuts and scrapes right through to responding appropriately to a cardiac arrest.
Most recently, I have joined the ACO National Marching Band. My initial introduction to the Band started with a week of marching, rehearsals and tending to uniform and ended with the exciting performances at Chatham Historic Dockyard and at Dover Castle, closely followed by another performance at Whitehall, London, for St. George’s Day. I am maintaining this link with the Band and still have several upcoming performances including the Birmingham Tattoo, Lord Mayor’s Show and abroad in Germany.
Being a member of Eastbourne College CCF and of the Air Cadet Organisation I have been able to participate in several amazing camps and courses, meet friendly new people and create links that will be never be forgotten.”
For more information about CCF activities at Eastbourne College please click here.
