The Headmaster DJ Clark MA 13 September 2012 Dear Parent ...

From : Th e Headm aster
D J Clark MA
Email: headmaster@birkenheadschool.co.uk
B I R K E N H E A D
S C H O O L
13 September 2012
Dear Parent
Opportunities from th e CCF
At the end of last term all Year 8 pupils had an afternoon to sample some of the
things that CCF has to offer. We would now like to follow up that contact with an
opportunity to join CCF for a trial period, starting on September 19 th .
CCF has been an integral part of Birkenhead School since before WWI, and as
such is approaching its centenary. During that time it has evolved to reflect the
changing attitudes and needs of society whilst maint aining a central ethos based
on self-discipline, teamwork, challenge and adventure.
The Cadet movement is the largest youth organization in the UK, and
Birkenhead CCF, as a constituent part of that movement, can access resources
and opportunities that remain unparalleled, thanks to MoD funding and the
expertise of instructors from all three services in HM Armed Forces.
Within School, on Wednesday evenings, we deliver the core syllabus of
Fieldcraft, Navigation, Shooting, Drill and Turnout and Lead ership. During
field days and annual camps these skills are supplemented by exercises hosted
by MoD staff. Flying and gliding, offshore sailing, expeditions and night
exercises, target shooting, clay-pigeon shooting… the programme for these
events is designed to challenge, to stretch and to entertain. Most cadets who
attend camp cannot wait for the next one.
We are privileged as a CCF to be able to offer all three sections: Royal Navy,
Army and Royal Air Force. All recruits follow a common core of activities before
choosing a specific section, at which point their cadet experience will focus more
closely on their area of interest.
As cadets progress, CCF offers excellent possibilities to acquire nationally
recognised qualifications in a host of adven ture activities, at minimal cost to the
cadet. All CCF cadets are eligible to join courses run by all three services, so
Army cadets can learn SCUBA diving with the Royal Navy, and Royal Navy
Cadets can qualify as climbing instructors with the Army. In addition, specific
Leadership courses are run for junior cadets to prepare them to lead their peers,
and such courses have proved of immense value to many Birkenhead School
pupils over the years.
New for this year is the chance to follow the Duke of Edinbur gh’s Award Scheme
Bronze entirely through CCF. We hope to offer cycling-based expeditions as part
of this, an alternative to walking for those who wish to set off on mountain bikes.
So, in short, CCF offers the chance to start on a journey. For some, th at journey
may be the journey of a lifetime, as challenges lead to opportunities, and

opportunities lead to interests, and interests sometimes lead to occupations. For
others, CCF can provide a lot of fun, with valuable skills and capacities acquired
almost as a by-product.
So, what we offer is an opportunity to sample what Britain’s largest youth
organisation has to offer, and to find out why so many young people enjoy The
Cadet Experience.
If you would like to ask any further questions, or discuss any related issues,
please contact The Headmaster or the Contingent Commander via School.
A reply slip is attached and we would be most grateful if all parents would reply
to indicate interest or not.
Yours sincerely
D J Clark
Headmaster
Neil Frowe
Wg Cdr RAFVR(T)
Contingent Commander

Reply slips should be returned to Mr Frowe or emailed to
njf@birkenheadschool.co.uk to acknowledge your son/daughter’s interest in
attending the CCF trial.
My son/daughter shall* / shall not* be taking part in the CCF trial starting 19 th
September 2012.
*(delete as appropriate)
Pupil Name: …………………………………….
Signature of parent: ……………………………………………………………..

Fre qu e n tly Asked Qu e stion s
Wh en does CCF h appen?
CCF runs on every Wednesday after school for every week of the Birkenhead
School term. We parade at 1615 and cadet activities are finished by 1800.
In addition, there are field days once a term when cadets are off timetable and
off campus.
Do I h ave to w ear uniform ?
Cadets are issued with two uniforms, a working uniform and a best uniform for
parades. Many cadets choose to wear uniform all day, but it is fine to change into
uniform at end of School.
Am I expected to go on cam p?
All out-of-school activities are voluntary, but we hope all cadets will try camp at
least once to see what they are missing.
How m u ch does it cost?
CCF subscriptions are currently £25 per year. There is a charge for annual camp
of around £55 for 8 days. There is no charge for uniform, although cadets must
buy their own boots to wear with DPM uniform.
Wh at if I don ’t like it?
We ask you to stick with us until half-term to see the range of activities on offer,
and to acquire some basic skills. If it’s not for you, then thanks for giving it a go.
Isn ’t CCF really m ean t for boys?
No! CCF is meant for all young people, and is committed to equal opportunities.
Many of the top awards in recent years, both nationally and locally, have gone to
female cadets. In addition to our own Bir kenhead School female cadets, there
are 25 female cadets and NCO’s and 2 female Officers involved from our CCF
partner, Upton Hall School.
Am I expected to join th e services?
Categorically not. CCF is an MoD sponsored youth organization, and the skills
acquired are regarded as an end in itself. However, some cadets join with the
intention of a career in the services, and others choose to go into service life as a
result of their cadet experience, and for those candidates their CCF involvement
can give them an insight into the MoD selection procedures.
Wh at do I do if I w an t to h ave a go?
We would like a response from all pupils and parents, and we repeat the offer:
give it a try until half term.