OVERVIEW: The CCF is a youth organisation sponsored by the military and is not a recruiting organisation. The lessons are part timetabled and part extra-curricular and will, ultimately, lead to recognised qualifications. Year 9 students will be able to work towards their Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Bronze Award and a First Aid qualification Whilst in their GCSE years they will continue to work towards their DofE Silver or Gold, develop their teamwork and leadership skill and gain a VCERT in Health and Fitness. The syllabus culminates each year with a summer camp. In addition to the formal qualifications, cadets have enjoyed outdoor activities such as white-water rafting, climbing and camping. We will also use the army and navy’s facilities to develop teamwork, resilience and self-discipline.
Joining the CCF is a cost efficient way for students to gain many new experiences and qualifications. The military provide much of the uniform and equipment needed as well as subsidising many of the activities. The average yearly cost is £75 and, for this, the students will receive boots, two long-weekend camps and a one week camp. A total of 14 days. Students will also have access to high quality and safe training which leads to qualifications which will benefit them in later life. We have access to several funds so If costs may be of concern, please come along and speak with us.
The course is delivered by experienced ex-military and business leaders with the knowledge and qualifications to deliver safe and fun character training. We have 40 places available every year and students will be interviewed if we are over-subscribed.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Year 9: Basic military based training developing teamwork and self-reliance. Students will plan, organise and deliver their own Bronze D of E course and expedition during their extra-curricular club.
Year 10: Advanced military based training developing leadership and instructional skills. Students will plan, organise and deliver their own Silver D of E course and expedition.
Year 11: Delivering basic military based training to Year 9 cadets putting in to practice the leadership theory learnt in the previous year helping to manage the contingent. Students will complete their VCERT Health and Fitness, using their experiences to complete their final assignment. Students will also start to plan, organise and deliver their own Gold D of E course and expedition (24 months course but students will be supported to complete post age 16).
Year 12 and 13: If students stay on at KBA selected senior cadet leadership positions supporting the planning and delivery of the contingent with the focus on developing CV enhancing opportunities including external courses and qualifications. D of E Gold expedition and award completion.
ASSESSMENT:
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is an internationally recognised award comprises of up to five components:
- Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
- Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
- Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
- Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad (Gold).
- At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home for five days, doing a shared activity.
The Academy will guide them through the process and recommend activities students can undertake to achieve the above sections. However, the award is designed to demonstrate self-motivation and commitment so students will have to manage their time and effort to achieve these goals. They will register on the program through eDofE which will allow you to track their progress on the website. The cost for non-Cadets (CCF have already contributed to this program) is £12 per pupil for the first Bronze Award.
As a part of this will be to complete a planned expedition and be assessed, we need to conduct preparation training during CCF lessons. Before their main expedition, (assessment) students are required to complete a practice expedition. We also run a day orienteering to help students put the theory of navigation in to practice before they go into the hills.
The scheme is run by the Academy, through our excellent and highly qualified staff. Many of whom also lead the Combined Cadet Force. All have the requisite expedition, first aid and assessor qualifications to run safe fun activities.
In addition to the D of E cadets will also work towards their VCERT in Health and Fitness
KBA CCF also offers an academic qualification to complement the military, teamwork and leadership training undertaken during this course. The Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness is designed to provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding of the applied study of good health and fitness practices. This helps with the understanding of working in the military and fitness sector as well as helping students prepare for the ardours of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
The V Cert Technical Awards are a suite of high-quality technical qualifications which are appropriate for Key Stage 4 learners. They are a technical alternative to GCSEs with equivalent levels of rigour and challenge. Year 9 students can choose this option for study in Years 10 and 11 only if they are not choosing BTEC PE/Sport This course compliments GCSE PE and careers in the military, fitness and sports sector or outdoors.
Qualification Title Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness
Qualification number (QN) (603/2650/5)
Total Qualification Time (TQT) 157
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 120 plus 1 hour 30 minutes for the external assessment
Qualification overview
Throughout this qualification, cadets will gain valuable knowledge of:
• the principles of training and FITT
• how physical activities affect the body in the short and long term
• how relevant fitness tests can be used for specific health and skill components of fitness
• different lifestyle analysis tools and how to apply them
• creating a health and fitness programme.
The assessment is a mixture of exam (taken in Year 10) and Coursework submitted in Year 11:
Unit 01 Introduction to body systems and principles of training in health and fitness
40% Weighting Externally Assessed:
Written Examination (externally marked)
Unit 02 Preparing and planning for health and fitness
60% Weighting Internally Assessed:
Synoptic Project (externally quality assured Coursework)
What’s next?
Depending on the grade the learner achieves in this qualification,
they could progress to:
• A Level in Physical Education and Sport
• Level 2 Technical Certificate in Sport & Physical Activity
• Level 3 Applied General in Sport Studies
• Apprenticeships in occupations within the Health & Fitness sectors such as Health Assistants, Fitness Instructors or Personal Trainers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION: CCF units are present in the vast majority of the best schools in the country and the experiences gained through belonging to a CCF are often beneficial in applications to top universities and showing real strength of character for future employers. The course is designed to prepare students for the world of work and help them reach their potential as leaders in whichever organisation they join whether that is the military, a multi-national company or a local firm. Whichever career they choose this course will give them the confidence and skills to express themselves clearly and succeed.
FURTHER INFORMATION (NAME AND EMAIL OF COURSE LEAD): Jon Teare jonteare@kba.uk